Omicron risk: New Zealand closes borders for new arrivals

There will not be fresh release of spaces in the country’s managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) system

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

The Guardian reported closure announcement of borders in New Zealand over ‘unprecedented’ Omicron risk. It has “temporarily cut off the only pathway home for overseas citizens and visa holders, citing the risk of the Omicron variant,” said the report.

There will not be fresh release of spaces in the country’s managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) system, said officials associated with Covid management in the country.

The country recorded 24 new cases, one with Omicron, in the community on Wednesday. An airport worker was also tested positive

The report quoted Covid-19 response minister, Chris Hipkins, who said the pause was temporary and there was “there was no date for when spaces would again be available – meaning New Zealand’s border would be closed for an indeterminate time to citizens without an existing booking. …Pausing the next MIQ lobby is a temporary position while MIQ is under extreme pressure from New Zealanders returning with Omicron,” he said.

The country recorded 24 new cases, one with Omicron, in the community on Wednesday. An airport worker was also tested positive.

Covid cases extremely low in New Zealand due to its tough border laws. The spread of Omicron outbreak has been largely managed. “But the restrictions are also a source of increasing heartache and rage for those who have found themselves locked out, often in extremely difficult personal circumstances,” said The Guardian report.

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