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September 13, 2022
Traffic light system ends as Covid numbers fall
Adam Gifford
Posted On September 13, 2022
The COVID-19 traffic light system finished at midnight.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says with the lowest case numbers and hospitalisations since February, the population well vaccinated, and expanded access to anti-viral medicines, it’s safe to turn the page on COVID-19 management.
Masks will now only be required in healthcare settings like hospitals, GPs and aged residential care facilities.
Some places, such as workplaces, special events, or marae may ask you to wear a mask, but this will be at their discretion and no longer a Government requirement.
All remaining Government vaccine mandates will end in two weeks on 26 September.
The 7 day isolation period for COVID cases will remain, but household contacts will only be asked to undertake a daily RAT test before going about their life as normal.
In addition the government has bought more anti-viral medicine, which will be available in the early stages of contracting the virus for anyone over the age of 65, and Māori and Pacific people over the age of 50.
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