The New Zealand government has announced the removal of all remaining Covid-19 restrictions, including the requirement to wear masks in hospitals, ef
The New Zealand government has announced the removal of all remaining Covid-19 restrictions, including the requirement to wear masks in hospitals, effective from the following day. Health Minister Ayesha Verrall stated that while most measures to curb the virus had already been lifted, the remaining requirements would no longer be in place. The decision comes as Covid-19 cases accounted for a small percentage of hospital admissions, and the country’s immunity levels suggested a safe removal of restrictions. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins acknowledged the challenges faced during the pandemic and praised the dedication of those involved in the response.
But, General Practice New Zealand, an advocacy group for GPs, has stated that practices learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as wearing masks in health facilities and staying home when sick, should continue to be encouraged to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Despite the removal of mandates for isolation and mask-wearing, health experts are urging individuals to voluntarily adopt these practices to curb the transmission of viruses like influenza and RSV. The group emphasized the significance of vaccination and suggested that employers support workers in staying home when unwell to avoid spreading illnesses in the workplace. University experts also stressed the importance of these practices to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other respiratory infections.
