Wed Sep 14, 2022 – 9:53 pm EDT
(LifeSiteNews) — After two years of strict vaccine and mask mandates, New Zealand lifted nearly all restrictions related to COVID-19.
An announcement on Monday stated that vaccination requirements as well as the obligation to wear masks in public will be removed in two weeks.
“Today marks a milestone in our response,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “Finally, rather than feeling that covid dictates what happens to us, our lives, and our futures, we take back control.”
“The most recent health advice now tells us that with the lowest cases and hospitalizations since February, our population well vaccinated, and expanded access to anti-viral medicines, New Zealand is in a position to move forward.”
Ardern also remarked that the country’s next step is made “with confidence knowing that we’re not going to use those measures in the future.”
According to the government website, “masks will not be required anywhere, except when visiting certain healthcare facilities like hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and aged care residential facilities.” The updated guidelines also state that “some places like workplaces” may request masks, and that they are only “recommended in confined places such as public transport
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