A health worker gives out Rapid antigen self-test kits in Auckland
(Picture: AP)New Zealand will scrap many of its Covid mandates over the next two weeks, Jacinda Ardern announced on Wednesday.
With the threat of the Omicron variant beginning to subside, the country’s Prime Minister said the mandatory vaccine requirement to enter hospitality venues such as bars and restaurants will be removed from April 4.
A requirement to scan QR codes for entry will also end next month, while the limit for outdoor crowds of 100 will be scrapped from March 25.
The indoor limit of 100 people will also be increased to 200 but a mandatory mask requirement for enclosed places such as public transport, shops and for children eight and over in classrooms will remain.
These changes come ahead of foreign travellers being allowed to enter the country from May 1 after two years of some of the most strict restrictions in the world.
“New Zealanders have worked incredibly hard to get through this pandemic and as a result of those efforts we are now in a position to move forward and change the way we do things,” Ms Ardern said.
A vaccine mandate will also be scrapped for some workers, including teachers, police officers and waiters, but will continue for health care, aged-care and border workers and corrections officers
Due to the strict measures, Ms Ardern said her government had managed to save thousands of lives and prevented a major outbreak.
“But while we’ve been successful, it’s also been bloody hard. Everyone has had to give up something to make this work, and some more than others,” she added.
Prior to the end of restrictions, New Zealand has reported some of its highest case levels since the pandemic began.
On March 11, 39,773 cases were reported according to figures from Our World in Data, while a further 20,154 cases were recorded on March 22.
While low in comparison to the western world, a record 33 deaths were reported on March 16.
