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Hi John, Today I set out our plan for reconnecting with the world, the next steps in our COVID journey. In case you missed the announcement, I wanted to send a quick recap, along with a bit more detail about the next stage of our COVID response. There’s a lot of information to share, so if you’re short on time, you can find the key highlights of our reconnecting plan here. Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new phase in our COVID response. We have one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, and our border controls have given us the time to roll out boosters before a widespread outbreak takes hold - an opportunity not many other countries have had. With our community better protected, now is the time to move forward, and safely open up to new opportunities. As we indicated last year, we’ll be reopening in steps, beginning with fully vaccinated Kiwis and other currently eligible travellers from Australia. They’ll be able to travel to New Zealand from 11:59pm on Sunday 27 February, and instead of going into MIQ, will be able to self-isolate. Fully vaccinated New Zealanders from the rest of the world and other currently eligible travellers will be able to do the same two weeks later, from 11:59pm on Sunday 13 March. We’ll also be expanding the border exception for critical and skilled workers at this step and opening the Working Holiday Scheme, meaning more workers like healthcare professionals, farm managers, teachers and construction workers will be able to come to New Zealand, self-isolate for a short period and then go about their business. In April, we’ll take the next step, opening to 5,000 international students and further temporary visa holders, before opening up to Australians and all other travellers and tourists who can normally enter New Zealand without a visa by July at the latest. The final step begins in October, and includes all other visitors and students who require a visa to enter New Zealand. Like every stage of our COVID response so far, we’re embarking on these next steps carefully, in a managed way. This will ensure we can balance allowing people to reunite, and fill our workforce shortages, while also ensuring our healthcare system can manage an increase in cases. You can find out more about our plan, including more information on self-isolation requirements, here. I know today’s announcement will be welcome news for those of us who have been separated from loved ones, and I also know for many, it will feel like a long time coming. But while MIQ meant not everyone could come home when they wanted to, it has also meant that COVID could not come in when it wanted to either - and that has saved countless lives. Throughout the pandemic, this has always been at the heart of our response: protecting lives and livelihoods. And while the past two years haven’t been easy, it’s thanks to the hard work and sacrifices of everyone across New Zealand that we’ve been able to avoid the devastation and disruption seen in other countries around the world. As we move into the next stage of our response, I want to say thank you for everything you’ve done to help us get to this point. Our COVID response has always been a team effort, and this won’t change as together, we take these next steps forward. Thanks, P.S. As part of our response to Omicron, we’ve reduced the gap between second doses and booster shots. Evidence shows boosters provide better protection against Omicron, and from tomorrow, if you’re 18 or over, you can get your booster three months after your second dose of the vaccine. I'd really encourage you to get your booster as soon as you’re eligible. |
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