New Zealand on Tuesday postponed its phased border reopening plans until the end of February over concerns of the rapid global spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Non-quarantine travel, which was to have opened for New Zealanders in Australia from Jan. 16, would be pushed back until the end of February, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said at a press conference in Wellington.
“Covid-19 keeps throwing new curve balls and we have to respond in a way that continues to protect lives and livelihoods without putting in place restrictions and lockdowns unless absolutely necessary,” Hipkins said.
“There’s no doubt this is disappointing and will upset many holiday plans, but it’s important to set these changes out clearly today so they can have time to consider those plans.”
The measures were a precaution as it was still unclear how sick the omicron variant makes people and the impact it had on health systems were not yet fully understood, he said.
New Zealand also said the length of stay in state quarantine facilities would be increased from a week to 10 days. The pre-departure test required to enter New Zealand was reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours before travel.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the decisions were taken to give the government more time to prepare for omicron.
“It’s unfortunately not a case of if (it spreads in New Zealand) but when ... it’s so easily spread. So we are doing everything we can to make sure we are prepared,” Ardern said on Facebook Live.
The omicron variant was first detected last month in southern Africa and has spread to at least 89 countries so far.
Non-quarantine travel, which was to have opened for New Zealanders in Australia from Jan. 16, would be pushed back until the end of February, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said at a press conference in Wellington.
“Covid-19 keeps throwing new curve balls and we have to respond in a way that continues to protect lives and livelihoods without putting in place restrictions and lockdowns unless absolutely necessary,” Hipkins said.
“There’s no doubt this is disappointing and will upset many holiday plans, but it’s important to set these changes out clearly today so they can have time to consider those plans.”
The measures were a precaution as it was still unclear how sick the omicron variant makes people and the impact it had on health systems were not yet fully understood, he said.
New Zealand also said the length of stay in state quarantine facilities would be increased from a week to 10 days. The pre-departure test required to enter New Zealand was reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours before travel.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the decisions were taken to give the government more time to prepare for omicron.
“It’s unfortunately not a case of if (it spreads in New Zealand) but when ... it’s so easily spread. So we are doing everything we can to make sure we are prepared,” Ardern said on Facebook Live.
The omicron variant was first detected last month in southern Africa and has spread to at least 89 countries so far.
