New Zealand winds down extraordinary powers to fight COVID-19

ANKARA (AA) – New Zealand on Tuesday said it is winding down the extraordinary powers used to fight COVID-19 through the emergency phase of the response.

In a statement, acting Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins said they will retain a small number of baseline measures to contain the spread of the virus.

“The government has been clear that the measures used to contain the spread of COVID-19 need to be proportionate to the risk of the virus, so it’s appropriate to wind down many of the extraordinary powers that are no longer needed,” Hipkins said.

The government also abolished the traveler declaration requirement for people traveling to the country from Thursday.

However, the 7-day case isolation period and mask-wearing requirements for visitors in certain healthcare settings will remain for the time being as cases and hospitalizations tick up, the minister said, adding most other measures, including lockdowns, will be removed.

“The government is also revoking the Epidemic Notice, which represents a move away from emergency arrangements to long-term management of the virus,” he said.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid