New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has a no-nonsense approach to COVID-19. Her island nation is surrounded by ocean. Moreover, its nearest neighbor Australia is over 1,000 miles away at the end of a two-week ocean cruise. The only passenger alternative is a jet plane flight taking less time than COVID needs to show. But the twin-island nation just announced a no jab no fly policy for New Zealand visitors, to manage this gap.
Non-New Zealand Citizens Must Now Have Full Vaccination to Fly
Christ Hipkins, New Zealand’s minister for COVID-19 response pulled no punches on Sunday October 3, 2021. ‘Air travelers aged 17 and over, who are not New Zealand citizens must have full vaccinations to enter New Zealand,’ he said without a mention of exceptions.
National flag carrier Air New Zealand immediately announced it was changing passenger policy accordingly. Al Jazeera News explains the measure comes as Hamilton city and nearby Raglan enter full-five day lockdowns. Only essential movement is allowed there, after two tests proved positive.
The No Jab No Fly Policy Aligns With Previous Successful Strategies
New Zealand has been remarkably successful in containing COVID-19 outbreaks to date. Its five million population experienced just 27 deaths since the pandemic began. And this is largely down to tight border controls and lockdowns, while allowing pre-pandemic life to continue where possible.
The no jab no fly policy is a natural extension of that approach. ‘The worst case scenario is simply intolerable,’ Jacinda Ardern announced to the nation when COVID came. ‘It would represent the greatest loss of New Zealander’s lives in our country’s history. I will not take that chance.
‘The government will do all it can to protect you. None of us can do this alone.’ On another occasion she advised ‘If you have any questions about what you can or can’t do, apply a simple principle. Act like you have COVID-19.’
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