The Omicron strain of COVID-19 is spreading around the world. New Zealand is no exception, with a gradual increase in the number of people testing positive for the Omicron strain upon entry into the country.
As a result, plans to lift the border closure and welcome tourists from overseas were announced in April of this year, but have now been postponed indefinitely.
Here we introduce the current situation in New Zealand and some of the measures being taken to prevent infection.
Recent infection status
New Zealand saw another peak in infections in November of last year, but the number of community infections is now less than a quarter of the peak, at 31 as of January 4th and further reduced to 17 as of January 5th. Most of the confirmed cases in New Zealand at present are of the Delta strain, but in facilities where entrants spend their mandatory quarantine period, there have been many positive cases of the Omicron strain.
In addition, a family member of an Air New Zealand cabin staff member recently tested positive for the virus, and was found to have the Omicron strain. The family member has already received two doses of the vaccine and their symptoms are said to be mild.
This is the third case of Omicron strain infection confirmed in Japan that did not occur in the quarantine facility upon entry, but all cases occurred in people who had completed quarantine upon entry, and there have been no cases of community infection with the Omicron strain so far.
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Vaccination certificate
In New Zealand, where the vaccination rate currently stands at over 94%, the country has introduced an official vaccination certificate called "My Vaccine Pass," and is encouraging citizens to obtain it.
My Vaccine Pass looks like this, with your name, date of birth, and a QR code displayed on a digital device such as a smartphone, or on paper.
Source: My Vaccine Pass|｜unite against COVID-19
My Vaccine Pass is set to expire six months after it is issued or on June 1st of this year, and the government will determine whether it will be renewed or no longer necessary after the third vaccination depending on the situation.
Currently, there are many facilities, restaurants, and events where you cannot enter without presenting My Vaccine Pass, and it is becoming more and more widespread.
Traffic Light System
Since the start of the spread of the infection, the New Zealand government has been indicating the alert level to the public, from 1 to 4. The highest alert level is level 4, and in areas designated at this level, a lockdown was implemented in which all facilities except for those essential for daily life were closed.
As the Delta strain spread and vaccinations progressed, the country changed its alert level to a new "traffic light system." It was introduced on December 3rd of last year. Traffic lights are signals. As the name suggests, the country divides areas into three colors, like a traffic light: red, orange, and green, and restricts the actions of citizens.
That said, the restrictions are less stringent than previous alert levels, and the aim is to coexist with the virus without halting economic activity as much as possible.
In principle, private gatherings and events with large numbers of people, such as weddings and funerals, can be held. There is no need to limit contact to within your bubble (people who live together or are close to you) as was the case at alert levels 4 to 3.
However, there are detailed restrictions on the number of people allowed in each level (red, orange, green).
For example, the decision of whether to require participants to present My Vaccine Pass is left to the organizers, but if participants are required to present My Vaccine Pass, the event can be held with up to 100 people in red and no limit in orange. If presentation is not required, gatherings are limited to 25 people in red and 50 people in orange.
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In addition, if restaurants want to open, they will be required to have customers show their My Vaccine Pass; if they do not, they will only be allowed to offer takeaway services.
Currently, the only area in "red" is the tip of the North Island, Northland (part of the southern part has switched to orange). All other areas are in "orange". In the case of orange,
- Obtaining My Vaccine Pass
- Commuting to work or school is possible
- Be sure to wear a mask in public places
- Scan the special QR code at the places you visit to keep a record
- Maintain social distancing as much as possible
- If you have cold-like symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get tested
The staff at Bokumo Wine were also hoping that we might be able to go this year, but it looks like it will be a while before that happens.View this post on Instagram
