Big day for announcements in NZ as vaccine mandates dropped and Air NZ launches direct flight to New York

By MiNDFOOD

Big day for announcements in NZ as vaccine mandates dropped and Air NZ launches direct flight to New York
Today Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced changes to the traffic light framework and vaccine mandates as the national airline resumes plans to launch direct flights to New York City. 
  • Gatherings: From 11:59pm on Friday 25 March, the number of people allowed to gather inside increases from 100 to 200 under the red traffic light setting. There will be no limit on outdoor gathering capacities.
  • Masks: Masks will continue to be used under the red light setting and in indoor places at the orange setting.
  • Vaccine mandates and passes: From 11.59pm on Monday 4 April, vaccine passes will no longer be required in New Zealand. The Prime Minister said businesses and events may choose to use them if they wish, but they will not be required. Following advice from professor David Skegg, the government will no longer require vaccine mandates for education, police and defence workforces from 11:59pm 4 April. Vaccine mandates will continue to be used in health, aged care, corrections staff and border and MIQ workers. “while vaccination remains critically important in protecting New Zealanders from Covid-19 we believe that several of the vaccine mandates could be dropped once the Omicron peak has passed,” said Ardern.

As the country moves past the peak of Omicron, the traffic light system will be simplified.

‘Dog and pony show’ in response to COVID 

Former Prime Minister, John Key only this morning called out the government’s ‘response in dragging out critical announcements.

“Why do we have this dog and pony show where the Government basically wanders along and says I’m going to make an announcement to the announcement to the announcement,” said Key.

In preparation for today’s announcement, Professor David Skegg was called upon by the government for advice on vaccine mandates. With high rates of vaccines around the country, the government has decided to remove the vaccine mandate for education, police or Defence Force workers from Monday 4 April.

NZ loves NY

Kiwis will be able to travel direct to New York after Air New Zealand geared up plans to fly to the Big Apple.

From September Air New Zealand will fly to John F. Kennedy Airport three times a week with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The 14,200km flight is one of the longest in the world and will take 16 hours from Auckland to New York, and 17 and a half southbound.

“New York is an iconic yet familiar city, a bucket list item. And now for the first time, Kiwis can visit the city of all cities with a non-stop flight. New Zealand lets you slow down – in New York, everything is bigger and faster, it’s exciting and awe-inspiring – and it’s now closer than ever.” said Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran.

 

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