New Zealand Scraps Mandatory Vaccination for Some Sectors

New Zealand announced on Wednesday that it would lift the vaccination requirement for several sectors, including education and the police, from April 4.

This is because the government decided that the current Covid-19 outbreak in the country is expected to have passed its peak by then.

Also, from April 4, a vaccination certificate is no longer required to visit restaurants, coffee shops and other public areas. However, the vaccination obligation will continue to apply to people who work with vulnerable people, for example, in the elderly care or health sector, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

New Zealand’s response to the pandemic has garnered praise worldwide. Since the pandemic outbreak, only 117 people have died from Covid-19, out of a population of 5 million. And with more than 95 percent of residents over the age of 12 vaccinated twice, the New Zealand population is vaccinated above average.

A week ago, New Zealand announced it would open its borders to foreign travellers earlier than announced. So, for example, vaccinated Australians have been welcome from April without quarantine or self-isolation. Originally, this was only allowed in July.