New Zealand announces plans to reopen borders | World | DW

The New Zealand government, which has become a stronghold during epidemics, on Thursday (10.28.2021) announced plans to temporarily reopen its borders amid pressure from citizens stranded abroad.

The minister in charge of responding to COVID-19, Chris Hipkins, pointed out that travelers from a few Pacific island microstates could enter New Zealand next month without having to serve for isolation.

For other countries classified as low risk, similar action will be considered from the beginning of next year.

Isolation for passengers has been suspended

Hipkins pointed out that the 14-day mandatory hotel isolation for all foreign visitors would be reduced to seven in November and eventually replaced by home isolation.

This oceanic country imposed strict restrictions on the international movement to protect itself from the plague. The strategy was effective: only 28 deaths per five million population.

However, due to the concentration of isolated hotel rooms the pressure from people leaving abroad increased.

Due to this isolation, the local media continues to report cases of people who are unable to see their dying relatives.

mg (afp, efe)