First modification:
This Monday, the restrictions to enter New Zealand were completely lifted by the country’s authorities, thus reopening the borders for the first time since March 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic began.
The measure was announced by the New Zealand Government in a statement this Sunday, stating that all tourists and international students are included, for whom teaching activities will resume.
The education sector for foreigners is important for the country and contributes significantly to the national economy. Before the pandemic, it generated approximately 3,146 million US dollars, a figure that fell by 75% by 2021.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, highlighted the importance of opening borders for the country:
“It has been a phased and cautious process on our part since February as we, along with the rest of the world, continue to manage a very much alive global pandemic, while keeping our people safe,” Ardern said.
Although the borders return to their normal activities, the authorities made clear some requirements when entering the country, such as the presentation of a vaccination certificate or an approved exemption. Citizens will need to take two Covid-19 tests after arrival, however no quarantine is necessary.
This Monday, the first travelers arriving in the country through Auckland International Airport expressed their joy at being able to return. “I am going to see my family after almost two years and I am going to see my nephew for the first time,” said one of them with tears in his eyes.
“It’s been more than two and a half years since Covid arrived, so this is the first time we’ve been back,” said another of the travelers who had just gotten off a plane.
Full reactivation of tourism
From now on, the country will allow foreign cruise ships and pleasure yachts to dock at its ports, the first of which is already scheduled to arrive on August 12 at the port of Auckland, news that was welcomed by the New Zealand Minister of Tourism, Stuart Nash, who stated that the return of the ships will be a boost for local industries.
“Most cruise ship visits are during the warmer months of October through April, and summer is our prime tourist season in general. This means the industry will be in full swing,” Nash said.
The country’s borders took the first step of opening on February 28 of this year, with a measure that only benefited New Zealanders. The entry limitation to a certain number of national citizens per day was lifted. The objective of the restriction was that the authorities could control and verify the health status of those who entered and thus prevent the virus from spreading throughout the territory.
From that moment, the Government launched a five-stage plan in which it established the progressive relaxation of restrictions over the months.
New Zealand has 5 million inhabitants, 96% of the population has been vaccinated with two doses and there are currently more than 1.6 million cases of Covid-19. The pandemic has left more than 1,500 fatalities since it began.
With Reuters and EFE
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