COVID-19: New Zealand’s withdrawn protection framework moves forward safely

The COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the traffic light system, will be deleted after 11:59 p.m. on Monday 12 September, so that all New Zealanders can move forward safely, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.

“The time has come to safely turn the page on our management of COVID-19, and to live without the extraordinary measures we have used previously,” said Jacinda Ardern.

“Today marks a milestone in our response. Finally, instead of feeling like COVID dictates what happens to us, our lives, and our future, we’re back in control.”

For the first time in two years, it will be possible to face the summer with the certainty that New Zealanders and companies so badly need, which will help drive greater economic activity, which is essential for economic recovery.

“The latest health advice now tells us that with the lowest cases and hospitalizations since February, our well-vaccinated population, and expanded access to antiviral drugs, New Zealand is poised to move forward.”

The Government will no longer require the use of a mask anywhere, except in healthcare settings such as hospitals, GPs and nursing homes.

Some places, such as workplaces, special events or marae, may require you to wear a mask, but this will be at your discretion and will no longer be a government requirement. In any case, respect is encouraged towards those who decide to continue wearing masks as a form of protection.

All government vaccination mandates will end in two weeks, on September 26. From now on, employers will be able to decide whether to require their employees to be vaccinated.

Vaccination requirements for all travelers arriving in New Zealand, including aircrew, are also ending, with testing now only being encouraged on 0/1 and 5/6.

“Our 7-day isolation period for COVID cases will continue”

However, the 7-day isolation period will only be required for those who test positive for COVID-19. Your household contacts will only need to be tested for COVID-19. Only your household contacts will be asked to take a daily RAT test before going about your normal life.

“In short, we now move to a simple two-requirement system: masks in healthcare settings and 7 days of isolation for positive cases only,” said Jacinda Ardern.

COVID-19 Minister Ayesha Verrall today also announced a major additional purchase of 40,000 more distribution courses of antiviral drugs, which are expected to enter New Zealand in the coming days.

“We are giving New Zealanders greater access to antiviral drugs, and have secured deals that provide a significant boost to our long-term supply,” Verrall said.

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So now, anyone over the age of 65, and Maori and Pacific people over the age of 50, or anyone who meets the Pharmac requirements, can access treatment in the early stages of contracting the virus.

“This means that more than twice as many New Zealanders will be able to access these medicines if they need them than before,” the prime minister said.

There is no doubt: thousands of lives have been saved thanks to the efforts of the Kiwis. Whether it’s iwi and Maori health workers, peaceful organisations, aged care providers, businesses or the sacrifices of New Zealanders separated from their loved ones, everyone has contributed.

“So today I say again to everyone, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” said Jacinda Ardern.