As of 11.59 pm tonight (Monday), New Zealanders will no longer have to wear masks while inside public places and on public transport. All Government vaccine mandates and vaccine requirements for travellers and air crew will also be removed.
The COVID-19 Protection Framework, which was also known as the traffic light system, will be removed one minute before midnight tonight "so all New Zealanders can continue to move forward with certainty," PM Jacinda Ardern announced at her weekly post-cabinet news conference.
“It’s time to safely turn the page on our COVID-19 management, and live without the extraordinary measures we have previously used,” Ardern said.
“Today marks a milestone in our response. Finally, rather than feeling that COVID dictates what happens to us, our lives, and our futures, we take back control," she said.
“For the first time in two years we can approach summer with the much needed certainty New Zealanders and business need, helping to drive greater economic activity critical to our economic recovery."
Ardern said the most recent health advice was that with the lowest cases and hospitalisations since February, New Zealand's population was well vaccinated and had expanded access to anti-viral medicines.
“You will no longer be required by Government to wear a mask anywhere, except in healthcare settings like hospitals, GPs and aged residential care facilities. Some places, such as workplaces, special events, or marae may ask you to wear a mask, but this will be at their discretion and no longer a Government requirement."
All remaining Government vaccine requirements would end on September 26, she said.
"It will now be an employer’s discretion as to whether they require their workforce to be vaccinated.
Seven day isolation remains
However, the seven day isolation period for Covid will remain, although only for those that test positive and not close contacts, who will be asked to take daily RAT tests.
“In short, we now move on to a simple two requirements system of masks in healthcare settings and 7 days isolation for positive cases only,” Ardern said.
Covid1-9 Minister Ayesha Verrall also announced the extra purchase of 40,000 more anti-viral medicine courses.
“We are giving greater access to anti-viral medicines for New Zealanders, and have secured agreements that provide a significant boost to our supply for the long term,” Verrall said.
"“So now, anyone over the age of 65, and Māori and Pacific people over the age of 50, or anyone who meets Pharmac requirements, can access the treatment in the early stages of contracting the virus," she said.
The current rolling seven day average of hospitalisations is 241, the lowest since February and down from 273 this time last week. There are 225 current hospitalisations. There have been a total of 1,950 deaths, a 7 day rolling average of 5.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.