The New Zealand government has retired its COVID-19 Protection Framework, in a move that will allow New Zealanders “to move forward with certainty”, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern 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 now tells us that with the lowest cases and hospitalisations since February, our population well-vaccinated, and expanded access to antiviral medicines, New Zealand is in a position to move forward.”
The framework, also known as the traffic light system, had three settings – green, orange, and red – with increasing severity of restrictions. Settings were upgraded when community transmission of COVID-19 rose, which put more pressure on the health system.
Previously, travel insurers announced that government-mandated lockdowns, including red traffic light settings, are not covered by insurance policies. Insurers are likely to react positively to the removal of the protection framework, as this represents another step towards the resumption of normalcy.
With the traffic light system decommissioned, mask-wearing requirements have been removed, except in healthcare and aged-care facilities. Only COVID-19 positive individuals will be required to isolate for seven days, while their household contacts are no longer required to stay home.
The government will also end all vaccine mandates on Sept. 26, including those for incoming travellers and air crew. However, they will still be encouraged to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours upon arrival and another test five days later.
New Zealand will continue its support for businesses and workers through leave support payments.
COVID-19 Minister Ayesha Verrall also announced an additional purchase of 40,000 courses of antiviral drugs, and these are expected to arrive in New Zealand within the next few days.
“We are giving greater access to antiviral 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.”
