First change: Last modified:
Auckland (AFP) – New Zealanders stranded abroad by the epidemic returned to their homeland on Monday, amid tears and hugs, as its anticoagulant measures became the world’s toughest after it began removing many health restrictions to enter the country’s territory.
At Auckland Airport, for the first time in two years, families authorized to enter the country without going through compulsory isolation at a hotel were reunited with their relatives.
Prime Minister Jacinta Arden welcomed the change, especially as tens of thousands of New Zealanders wanted to come home.
“We can not wait to see you,” Ardern told reporters in Wellington.
Until now, returnees in New Zealand had to spend 10 days in solitary confinement in expensive hotels.
The move was lifted from Australia to New Zealand on Monday and will be possible for all foreigners on Friday.
Although he did not specify a date, Artern said the government plans to expedite the reopening of progressive borders to all travelers.
According to the chairman, the rapid spread of the Omigran variant has made the impact of opening boundaries on the number of cases less significant, allowing the restrictions to be lifted earlier than expected.
© 2022 AFP
“Typical beer advocate. Future teen idol. Unapologetic tv practitioner. Music trailblazer.”