12/09/2022
From 11.59pm tonight our TRAFFIC LIGHT system will be removed.
From 11:59pm on 12 September 2022, the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) will be removed.
With cases reducing, a highly-vaccinated population, and comprehensive access to anti-viral medicines, New Zealand can safely move forward.
This will mean a few changes for tomorrow:
β’ You will only need to wear a mask when visiting healthcare facilities like hospitals, GPs, and aged care residential facilities. Some places like workplaces or marae may ask people to wear a mask. You can find more information on masks here: https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/keep-up-healthy-habits/face-masks/
β’ You only need to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Leave support payments for COVID-19 cases will continue. You can find out what to do if you test positive here: https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/if-you-have-covid-19/
β’ Household Contacts are recommended to take a RAT every day for five days. So long as you test negative, you will be able to go about daily life as normal. Youβre encouraged to wear a mask whenever you leave home, particularly if visiting vulnerable people, like elderly or immunocompromised people, using public transport, or when in a crowded indoor space.
β’ You will no longer need to be vaccinated to enter New Zealand. People arriving in New Zealand from overseas will continue to receive free RATs at the airport and will be encouraged to test on day 0/1 and 5/6. You can find more information for preparing to travel to New Zealand here: https://covid19.govt.nz/international-travel/travel-to-new-zealand-by-air/preparing-to-travel-to-new-zealand/
β’ All remaining vaccine mandates will end. The last workforce with a Government vaccine mandate is health and disability workers. This will end on 11:59pm, 26 September 2022. Some employers may still require workers to be vaccinated due to their responsibilities under health and safety legislation.
β’ Anti-viral medicines will be available for free to any New Zealander 65+ who tests positive for COVID-19. For MΔori and Pacific peoples, these medicines will be available for free to anyone aged 50+ who tests positive. In addition, anyone with three high-risk conditions is eligible for free anti-viral medicines. You can find more information here: https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/if-you-have-covid-19/medicines-to-treat-covid-19/
You can find more information on the next phase of our COVID-19 response here: https://covid19.govt.nz/next-phase-of-our-covid-19-response
