The New Zealand government will pilot a new program to allow vaccinated workers to travel abroad from October and self-isolate at home, rather than going through the mandatory 14-day government-run isolation.
The pilot project is part of a larger strategy to introduce quarantine-free travel for some vaccinated travelers wishing to enter New Zealand from early 2022.
This would allow vaccinated travelers from low-risk countries to avoid isolation altogether, while those at medium risk would undertake some form of self-isolation or a shorter stay in a quarantine hotel.
Those returning from high-risk countries would still be required to 14 days of isolation managed by the New Zealand government
The planned changes follow a government advisory group of experts advising yesterday that the country should continue to pursue an ambitious COVID elimination strategy, even after its borders reopen, and that New Zealand should take a phased approach for the reopening of its border.
New Zealand, which is closed to most international visitors, has put in place extremely strict border controls, requiring returnees to spend two weeks in a government-run isolation and quarantine facility in order to maintain its COVID-19 elimination strategy.
Commenting on the plans, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said “our ultimate goal is to allow all vaccinated travelers to travel without quarantine.
“But we just aren’t able to fully reopen just yet.”
Speaking this morning at the Reconnecting New Zealanders Forum at the Global Forum, Prime Minister Ardern added “like science, this path will not be absolute. But I think people have come to understand that while the future is uncertain and the plan may change, that doesn’t mean we can’t make one.
Until now, there was very little information on what New Zealand’s roadmap to reopening might look like, but advice from the Strategic Covid-19 Public Health Advisory Group, led by the epidemiologist Sir David Skegg, provide some clues.
The group of six scientific experts recommended that once the vaccination program is fully rolled out, the country can slowly start admitting more travelers, without needing to enter the MIQ, depending on risk factors such as their status. vaccine and the state of the pandemic. in their country of origin.
It also offers travelers to go through pre-departure and rapid testing upon arrival in New Zealand.
Welcoming the “increased clarity” regarding New Zealand’s future border restrictions, Tourism Industry Aotearoa Managing Director Chris Roberts said “it is important to have a roadmap for all businesses, including tourism operators, can plan ahead and make informed decisions ”.
Also participating in the Reconnecting New Zealanders Forum with the Global Forum, Roberts commented “as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, this plan is not absolute and could change, but it is important that we have a plan based on what we currently know ”.
Roberts noted that he is happy that one of the five goals guiding the plan is to “develop new ways of traveling safely to and from New Zealand”.
Roberts went on to say that right now vaccination remains key, concluding that “the most important thing tourism businesses can do is encourage all their staff, family and friends to get vaccinated. “.
Until now, there was very little information on what New Zealand’s roadmap to reopening might look like, but advice from the Strategic Covid-19 Public Health Advisory Group, led by the epidemiologist Sir David Skegg, provide some clues.
The group of six scientific experts recommended that once the vaccination program is fully rolled out, the country can slowly start admitting more travelers, without needing to enter the MIQ, depending on risk factors such as their status. vaccine and the state of the pandemic. in their country of origin.
It also offers travelers to go through pre-departure and rapid testing upon arrival in New Zealand.
Images: Vaccinated travelers from low-risk countries may soon return to New Zealand (top), New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (middle) and Managing Director of Ourism Industry Aotearoa (bottom).
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