New Zealand is set to eliminate its last remaining COVID-19 response restrictions, as confirmed by the Health Minister, Dr Ayesha Verrall. This move comes after a journey of approximately three and a half years since the global emergence of COVID-19. It prompted the nation to implement restrictions aimed at curbing its spread, safeguarding public health, and preventing loss of life.
Currently, individuals infected with COVID-19 are mandated to undergo a seven-day isolation period in New Zealand. While household contacts are exempt from isolation, they are recommended to undergo rapid antigen testing daily for five days. Moreover, limit interaction with the infected individual. Certain healthcare facilities, like hospitals, still require individuals to wear masks.
Dr Ayesha Verrall has announced that the mandatory seven-day isolation and mask mandates will be lifted effective 12:01 am on Tuesday, August 15. She highlighted that although there may be fluctuations in case numbers week-to-week. Overall statistics including COVID-19 case rates, wastewater indicators, and hospitalizations have shown a consistent downward trend since early June. Over the last month, reported COVID-19 cases have reached their lowest point since February 2022.
In the past week, we have witnessed the reporting of more than 5000 cases and 20 deaths. Despite these figures, Dr Verrall emphasized that public health experts have assessed the risk from COVID-19 as being notably lower compared to earlier phases of the pandemic, concluding that it is safe to remove the remaining restrictions.
Continued Importance of Mask-Wearing and Lessons Learned
Dr Verrall acknowledged the resilience and diligence demonstrated by New Zealanders throughout the pandemic, which has facilitated reaching this pivotal juncture. Although not mandated, the Ministry of Health advises individuals who are unwell or have tested positive for COVID-19 to stay at home for five days.
While removing most restrictions is imminent, Dr Verrall underscored the importance of continued mask-wearing in healthcare. And disability care settings to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
Reflecting on the profound impact of the pandemic, Dr Verrall noted that COVID-19 transformed the world. She expressed gratitude for the efforts made by citizens across the nation, from the northern to the southern ends.
In a parallel development, the COVID-19 Protection Framework is commonly referred to as the traffic light system. It was announced by then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last September. The termination of this system marked the end of mask requirements in most settings except for hospitals, general practitioners’ offices, and aged residential care facilities. Likewise, vaccine mandates and requirements for travellers were also lifted.