Monday, 12 September 2022
The COVID-19 Protection
Framework ends at 11:59pm tonight, 12 September
2022
The COVID-19 Protection Framework (the traffic
lights) will be removed at 11:59pm tonight, 12 September
2022.
Today marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s
journey with COVID-19. This decision, based on public health
advice, means everyone in New Zealand can approach the
coming summer with certainty.
Since the beginning of
the pandemic, 927 days ago, protecting lives and livelihoods
has been the objective.
This objective remains
unchanged. But with cases and hospitalisations low, improved
access to new medicines, and high vaccination rates, it is
now safe to move on from the traffic light system and
provide greater certainty for people, whānau, communities
and businesses.
Post-Winter Approach
New
Zealand’s COVID-19 response is not going away, but is
instead shifting focus to just a couple of requirements to
manage the spread of the virus.
The requirements
everyone needs to remember are:
- to isolate for 7
days if they test positive for COVID-19 and - to wear
a mask when visiting healthcare facilities (hospitals, GPs,
pharmacies and aged care homes).
Isolation of
positive cases remains the most effective way of slowing the
spread of the virus and protecting others. Household
contacts no longer need to isolate but are asked to
undertake a daily RAT everyday for 5 days. If negative they
can go about their daily routine. Wearing a mask is
encouraged for household contacts particularly if visiting
vulnerable people, using public transport or in a crowded
indoor space.
Masks have played a critical role in
managing the spread of Omicron, but now with our low case
numbers, fewer gains are likely to be made through mandatory
mask wearing (except in certain healthcare
facilities).
Workplaces, special events and marae may
continue to require people to wear masks as a condition of
entry, but this will no longer be a Government requirement.
People are encouraged to respect those who continue to keep
wearing masks for the protection they offer against
COVID-19.
Protecting vulnerable people and
communities
Availability of free
anti-viral medicines to everyone aged 65+ and Māori and
Pacific peoples 50+ who need them, free boosters, free
medical grade masks and ongoing isolation requirements for
positive cases will help protect at-risk people and
communities from the virus.
Mental health
support
COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone,
particularly on people’s mental health. There has been
significant innovation in effective and evidence-based
digital mental health tools. People can access more
information about these tools at www.covid19.govt.nz/mentalhealth.
Government
vaccination mandates end
Health and disability
workforce
All remaining Government vaccine mandates
will be lifted. The only mandate left is for health and
disability workers. With high vaccination rates now coupled
with high numbers of people having had the virus itself,
it’s now safe for them to end. This mandate will end at
11:59pm, 26 September 2022.
Travellers arriving at
the border
The Government’s vaccination requirements
for all travellers (including air crew) arriving at the
border, ends tonight at 11:59pm. People arriving in New
Zealand from overseas will continue to receive free RATs at
the airport and will be encouraged to test on day 0/1 and
5/6.
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