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Wellington, February 4, 2022
Key things to note
Increased mask use to prepare for Omicron, and a reminder of the new mask requirements.
The Ministry of Health has a reminder for people needing to get a test.
Next week, Customs will be piloting a new online Traveller Declaration System, which will collect and assess travellers’ Covid-19 health-related information.
New Zealand medicines regulator Medsafe has granted provisional approval of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid, for adults 18 years and over.
The 90% first dose milestone was achieved today by Māori across Aotearoa.
There were 45,931 booster doses administered yesterday, taking the total to date to 1,445,598.
94% of New Zealanders are fully vaccinated.
There are currently nine people in hospitals across New Zealand.
One case is in high dependency or intensive care units.
There are 209 new cases in the community and 64 new cases identified at the border.
5,253 active contacts are currently being managed, 73% of whom have had at least one test result.
Increased mask-use
From 11: 59 pm last night (3 February) medical-type masks become mandatory for those people who fall under a vaccine mandate and are in public-facing roles at work.
Masks are still mandatory on flights, public transport, in taxis, retail, public facilities and in education for Years 4 and up. They are also now mandatory in proximity businesses, food and drink businesses and gatherings.
Masks can no longer be a T-Shirt, Bandana Or Scarf. It needs to cover your mouth and nose and attach with ear or head loops.
Ensuring the right mask is worn, and that it is worn properly, will improve its overall effectiveness and help reduce transmission of Covid-19 including Omicron.
Mask Update
Workers who fall under legal vaccine mandate and are in public-facing roles will be required to wear a medical-grade mask (type IIR/Level 2 or above).
Children in Year 4 and or those age 8 or older and up will need to wear a mask on Ministry of Education funded school transport services and public transport, as well as in school. Teachers of students in years 4 to 13 are required to wear medical-grade masks, as above.
Everyone else must wear masks in close-proximity businesses, food and drink businesses and gatherings. You will still be able to remove your mask when eating and drinking.
This must be an actual mask with ear or head loops that covers both the nose and mouth properly and fits against the face. That means no more scarves, bandanas, or t-shirts pulled up.
Gatherings, where guests have exclusive use of a defined space, won’t require guests to wear a mask, such as weddings. Workers (including volunteers) will continue to be required to wear a mask.
People are not required to wear masks in non-public facing workplaces, but all employers should continue to think about mask use policies that protect their workforce.
Masks are also not required when using gyms or swimming pools, however, it is encouraged when moving around or close to others.
Testing Reminder
The Ministry of Health have a reminder for people needing to get a test.
Only those who have Covid-19 symptoms – or have been at a location of interest at the relevant time – need to get a test and isolate at home until a negative result is returned.
The most common early symptoms of the Omicron variant are a sore or scratchy throat and a runny nose. If you have any of these symptoms, please get a test.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration update
Next week, Customs will be piloting a new online traveller declaration system, which will collect and assess travellers’ Covid-19 health-related information.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration system requires travellers to upload information before they depart for New Zealand, including their vaccination status, pre-departure test and travel history.
Once borders open, this information will help identify what travellers need to do when they arrive in New Zealand, such as enter quarantine-free, self-isolate, or enter a managed isolation facility. To ensure that this system is ready for when it goes live later this year, travellers on specific flights have been invited to participate in the pilot to help test the processes.
This new online system will simplify the traveller journey and help manage the expected increase in traveller volumes at the border.
The implementation of a new traveller health declaration process for travellers to New Zealand was first announced by the Government as part of the Reconnecting New Zealanders to the World forum in August 2021.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration system is expected to go live for all travellers at the end of March 2022.
Booster Update
Two-thirds of New Zealanders are now eligible for their booster.
People who received their second vaccination at least three months ago can walk in or book in to get their booster from today.
There is plenty of capacity to get vaccinated this weekend and throughout February.
The best thing people can do to protect themselves and their whānau is to get boosted and wear a mask when they can’t distance themselves from others. We will have a much better chance of facing the virus if we are well prepared.
Everyone over 18 can check when they are due for a booster by visiting mycovidrecord.nz, or if they have one, referring to their purple Covid-19 Vaccine appointment card.
They can also call the Covid Vaccination Healthline 0800-282926 (8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week). Family bookings (group bookings) can be made on 0800-282926.
Provisional approval for Novavax
New Zealand medicines regulator Medsafe has granted provisional approval of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid, for adults 18 years and over.
Medsafe has now approved Covid-19 vaccines that use three different technologies.
Medsafe only approves a vaccine or medicine for use in New Zealand once it is satisfied that it has met acceptable standards for quality, safety and efficacy.
MedSafe’s provisional approval is one step in the process. Ministers will consider advice from the Ministry of Health about whether to use the Nuvaxovid vaccine in New Zealand. Guidance will also be provided by the Covid-19 Vaccine Science and Technical Advisory Group.
Vaccination rate of Māori
The 90% first dose milestone was today achieved by Māori across Aotearoa.
This is a significant accomplishment that should be celebrated and speaks to the commitment Māori have to whānau and wider communities.
With Omicron now in our communities, the mahi continues, and we don’t stop at 90% first doses. We want as many Māori as possible to get double dosed and boosted to ensure those in all our communities have the best protection possible.
Booster Programme Update
There were 45,931 booster doses administered yesterday, taking the total to date to 1,445,598.
4,501 paediatric doses were given yesterday, bringing the total to 188,220 first doses.
Vaccination Progress
94% of New Zealanders are fully vaccinated. Vaccines administered to date (percentage of eligible people); 4,045,772 first doses (96%), 3,969,817 second doses (94%).
Source: Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Wellington
