New Zealand has delayed its phased border reopening plans until the end of February to 'keep Omicron out of the community for as long as possible'.
Under the previous three-step plan fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens and visa holders in Australia would no longer have to spend time in government run quarantines from January 17.
Given the limited number of hotel quarantine spaces, many people will have to delay their travel plans. Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said on Tuesday the decision to delay New Zealand’s reopening was designed to protect the public from the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The extra time will give residents more time to go for their booster shot with the time between the second and third jabs cut down from six months to four months.
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