Officials in New Zealand on Thursday announced a cautious reopening plan, beginning with easing border restrictions and allowing some vaccinated travelers to visit the country.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealand’s borders, which have been closed to nearly all foreign travelers since March 2020, would begin opening early next year, and vaccinated travelers from low-risk COVID-19 countries would be allowed to enter.
Additionally, beginning in October, vaccinated New Zealanders returning to the country will be able to self-isolate at home and forgo the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine currently in place.
Ardern, however, warned that the borders would not return to their pre-pandemic routine, when travelers visiting New Zealand did not have to undergo quarantine or testing.
She vowed to get New Zealand, which has been a shining example of fighting the coronavirus pandemic, back down to zero virus cases. While the country has seen success at virtually eliminating the virus, the vaccine rollout has been slow.
Ardern said on Facebook that New Zealand’s vaccine supply will increase and “we can pick up the pace of our rollout!” Officials on Thursday announced the next three stages of eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
