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- Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will end strict lockdowns and reopen the country when the 90 per cent vaccination goal is met
- Once the goal is met, the country will transition to a new COVID-19 Protection Framework, allowing businesses and events to re-open for vaccinated people
- Auckland has been under lockdown for more than two months, but has struggled to control the Delta outbreak which hit two daily records this week
- The live press conference was interrupted when a 5.9 magnitude earthquake rattled the Island
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand will end strict lockdowns and reopen the country only when the 90 per cent vaccination goal is met.
The optimistic target would make the country the most vaccinated in the world.
Roughly 68 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated, with 86 per cent having received their first dose.
“Ultimately we have balanced the desire to re-open quickly while continuing to keep people safe,” Ms Ardern said.
According to Ms Ardern, after the goal is met, the country will transition to a new COVID-19 Protection Framework that will enable businesses and events to re-open for vaccinated people.
“Fully vaccinated people will be able to reconnect with family and friends, go to bars and restaurants and do the things they love with greater certainty and confidence,” Ms Ardern said.
Auckland has been under lockdown for more than two months, but has struggled to control the Delta outbreak which hit two daily records this week. Yesterday, New Zealand reported 102 cases.
The live press conference was paused briefly when a 5.9 magnitude earthquake rattled the Island. There were no reported injuries or damages.
