New Zealand: Authorities to reduce self-quaranatine period for local COVID-19 cases and close contacts from March 12 /update 40

Event

New Zealand will ease the self-quarantine period for locally acquired COVID-19 cases and their household contacts from 10 to seven days beginning March 12. People infected with COVID-19 and displaying symptoms beyond the seven days must continue to quarantine until 24 hours after their symptoms subside. Household contacts of COVID-19 cases must take a rapid antigen test on days 3 and 5 of quarantine; contacts that test positive must self-quarantine for an additional seven days from receiving the result. Household contacts that contracted COVID-19 in the previous 90 days are exempt from the requirements.

Domestic Measures
Authorities are maintaining a red risk level, the highest of the government's COVID-19 traffic light system, nationwide. Officials permit activity in areas under red designations based on vaccination status, with relaxed measures effective for establishments using My Vaccine Pass requirements. Gatherings can occur with up to 100 fully vaccinated people or 25 mixed or unvaccinated guests. Officials require facemasks on public transport, including flights, retail outlets, public venues, government offices, and for employees at hospitality and close-proximity businesses. Authorities require medical-grade facemasks for workers already under vaccine mandates when in public-facing roles.

Workplaces can operate; employees must be fully vaccinated in the hospitality sector, close-proximity businesses - like personal services - and indoor fitness facilities. Hospitality venues with only fully vaccinated customers can host up to 100 people per distinct area. Hospitality venues can only offer takeaway services if not checking vaccination status. Venues and organizers must limit capacity at gatherings and events to the equivalent of one person per meter (3.2 feet). All accommodations can operate without capacity limits. Businesses must continue to keep a record of visitors. The government requires all companies and public facilities to post quick response (QR) codes at entrances to improve contact tracing.

International Travel Restrictions
An entry ban for most foreign nationals remains in place. Officials permit partners, dependents, and legal guardians of citizens with a visa based on the relationship and usually reside in New Zealand, and diplomats to enter without prior government consent. Authorities also allow other categories of people to enter the country with permission; a complete list of entry reasons is available here. Foreign visitors must be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Authorities require most inbound passengers to obtain a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours or a RAT or LAMP test taken within 24 hours before departure. Exemptions exist for travelers from Antarctica, some Pacific Island nations and territories, and some countries where widespread COVID-19 testing is unavailable; medical reasons; and passengers that previously recovered from COVID-19. Passengers that do not meet pre-departure testing requirements may face a fine of up to NZD 1,000.

Fully vaccinated citizens and eligible passengers can enter New Zealand without quarantine, with a RAT upon arrival and on day five or six. Anyone that tests positive must follow self-quarantine protocols. Travelers from American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu traveling for a critical purpose can enter the country without quarantine. Vessel crews arriving in New Zealand must isolate onboard for at least seven days; journey time can be counted toward quarantine if verified by customs. A ban on cruise ships entering New Zealand ports remains in place; cargo and fishing vessels can load, unload, and undertake repairs.

Unvaccinated permitted entrants must obtain a Managed Isolation Allocation system voucher to board flights and book accommodations before arrival. Unvaccinated passengers must quarantine at least seven days, though authorities could extend the period if the traveler tests positive for COVID-19. Officials charge quarantine fees of up to NZD 1,610 for the first person, NZD 460 for each additional adult, and NZD 230 per child for citizens and permanent residents. Children under three years of age are exempt if staying with another person. Authorities charge up to NZD 2,760 for the first individual, NZD 1,495 for each additional adult, and NZD 805 per child for permitted critical workers and most short-term permitted entrants - including partners of citizens and residents and students, work, and limited visa holders.

Advice

Consider postponing travel to New Zealand if affected by restrictions. Confirm flight status if allowed entry into the country. Follow all official instructions and allow additional time for immigration and health screenings.

Resources

New Zealand Government COVID-19 Information
Managed Isolation and Quarantine
Ministry of Health