On Wednesday, New Zealand′s government announced that mandatory vaccination would be revoked in certain sectors, including teaching and police, from April 4.

As the current COVID-19 outbreak nears its peak, New Zealand seems to relax several restrictions including removal of vaccine pass requirements in restaurants, coffee shops and other public spaces. New Zealand has been applauded for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 95% the population over the age of 12 years now vaccinated with two doses.

From April 4, vaccination will be required for individuals working with vulnerable people such as those involved in aged care and heath sectors as well as border workers. The relaxations and lifting of vaccination pass come as New Zealand′s largest city Auckland had already crossed the peak of the outbreak and in the rest of the country, cases would reach their peak before April 5. The country will be opening the borders for Australians from mid-April and those on visa-waiver programs from May.(Reuters, March 23, 2022)