Carefully planned stages of reopening will help curb Omicron numbers

Australia and New Zealand have announced cautious plans to reopen to visitors but it could still be a while until all international tourists are allowed to visit. Both countries were swift and stern to shut borders at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, which ensured a relatively low number of deaths from COVID-19 - just under 2,000 in Australia and 40 in New Zealand.

With vaccination rates reportedly now at around 94 per cent of the population in New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says, "we are well on our way to reaching that destination. But we are not quite there yet." 

Australia has also been easing travel restrictions. While some students, workers and tourists from specific countries have been allowed to return, no date has yet been set for international visitors. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has, however, recently hinted that borders could be reopened as early as April this year. 

New Zealand’s authorities announced on February 3 that it will be re-opening its borders in five different stages after earlier plans were put to rest due to the omicron variant. 

"With Omicron’s arrival, we pushed that change in border settings out to give ourselves the chance to roll out boosters. A chance most other countries never had," PM Jacinda Ardern said in a speech on Thursday. 

Phases of the plan:

• Fully vaccinated New Zealanders from Australia are allowed to return home from February 27. 
• Fully vaccinated citizens from other countries including critical and skilled foreign workers allowed to return from March 13. 
• From April 12, up to 5,000 international students will be allowed to enter the country. 
• Australian citizens and all other travellers that would normally be allowed to travel visa-free to New Zealand will be able to visit the country no later than July. 
• In October, New Zealand will reopen to all other visitors and students who do require a visa. 

"Opening back up in this managed way balances inflows of travellers so people can reunite and fill our workforce shortages, while also ensuring our healthcare system can manage an increase in cases," Ardern explained.

photo credit: pixabay