In New Zealand, where the number of new COVID-19 infections has been on the rise recently, the second vaccination rate exceeded 80% on November 11. As of November 26, the rate is 84.5%, and if those who have completed the first vaccination are included, the rate exceeds 90%.
And the government has announced that it will ease the strict entry restrictions that have been in place for a long time! Maybe we'll be able to go to New Zealand next year?!
The goal is 90% by Christmas
Immediately after the spread of the new coronavirus began last year, New Zealand completely locked down the entire country for over a month, and then carefully relaxed restrictions on activities in stages, and for a time, it maintained zero domestic infections. However, the Delta strain began to spread, and nearly 200 new cases have been confirmed in Auckland every day.
The New Zealand government has shifted from measures aimed at keeping the number of infected people to zero to a policy of accelerating vaccination of the population and coexisting with the virus, while continuing to impose restrictions on movement in areas where infections are spreading. The goal is to achieve a vaccination rate of 90% by Christmas this year. Like Japan, the start was slow, but the vaccination rate is steadily increasing and is likely to reach 85% soon. (Incidentally, Japan's rate was 76.5% as of November 26th.)
When the 80% mark was reached, Auckland's Sky Tower was lit up bright blue.
In addition to the lighting, there is also a show where messages are projected onto the walls of the tower.View this post on Instagram
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was vaccinated four months ago.View this post on Instagram
Auckland lockdown eased
Most of the current outbreak in New Zealand is occurring in New Zealand's largest cities (Wellington is the capital) and Auckland.
Auckland is currently at alert level 3, with travel to areas outside Auckland restricted. It has been decided that this will be relaxed on December 15th before Christmas. Only those who have received two doses of the vaccine or have received a negative test result 72 hours prior will be allowed to travel to areas outside Auckland.
Christmas in New Zealand is like New Year's in Japan. Families gather together to celebrate Christmas. Therefore, the easing of restrictions before Christmas is welcome news, but the infection is spreading outside of Auckland, and there are concerns about further spread.
Border closure to end
Amid concerns about the relaxation of domestic regulations, the government has also announced that it will ease entry restrictions from overseas next year.
Currently, only citizens or permanent residents and those with special permission from the government can enter New Zealand. Even if you are able to enter the country, you are required to immediately undergo two weeks of quarantine in a hotel. And the cost of this quarantine is basically actual expenses.
It was announced that this will not only result in entry restrictions, but that quarantine upon entry will also no longer be necessary.
First,
- Have completed two vaccinations
- Citizen or permanent resident
- If you are returning from Australia
- Holders of a visa that allows them to live or work, study, etc.
- Entry from countries where the infection is not spreading
will be permitted from February 14th. It looks like we Japanese will be able to enter the country on a tourist visa from April 30th, 2022 onwards.
You will be able to enter the country without quarantine,
- A negative test result before departing for New Zealand
- Have had two vaccinations
- Disclose travel records to countries other than New Zealand
- Get tested on the day of departure and on the day of arrival in New Zealand
- Self-isolate for 7 days
- Ending self-isolation after receiving a negative test
is mandatory.
The government's decision has met with mixed reactions in New Zealand.
"That's impossible."
Some people are opposed to this idea,
"I think it's good because the vaccination rate is high and if there is an outbreak of new variants, the borders should be closed again."
And an optimistic person,
And, "If we can't let any more tourists in from overseas, tourism will completely die."
Some people say that from an economic standpoint, relaxing entry restrictions is essential.
We hope to bring you this New Zealand news and wine information from the field soon...!
