China Overseas Chinese Network, June 16. According to a comprehensive report by the New Zealand Chinese Herald Network, early this morning (June 16), the New Zealand government confirmed that it will cancel the pre-arrival entry from 11:59 p.m. on June 20 (next Monday). testing regulations.
Currently, people still need to be tested within 72 hours before travelling to New Zealand and get a negative certificate.
In a statement, the newly appointed Minister for Epidemic Response said that pre-departure testing has created more problems than benefits, and its high cost and inconvenience add obstacles to potential travelers.
The Minister for Epidemic Response said New Zealand had originally planned to cancel pre-departure testing on July 31, but since the border reopened, despite the 387,000 arrivals, the average daily increase in cases has continued to decline, so there is evidence that this measure has been effective. Cancel.
"About 90 per cent of overseas people have been tested as required after entering New Zealand, and the positive rate is only 2-3 per cent. So we do not expect a significant increase in cases after pre-trip testing is cancelled."
Although pre-departure testing has been cancelled, travelers still need to take RAT tests on days 0/1 and 5/6 after arriving in New Zealand. Once the results are positive, they must undergo PCR testing.
New Zealand authorities hope to use this to monitor the latest strains entering the country.
The Minister of Outbreak Response also announced that travellers transiting through New Zealand will no longer need to be vaccinated or complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
"Travelers with symptoms similar to Covid-19, such as hay fever, can choose to present proof of a negative test, or a certificate from a health professional indicating that they are unlikely to contract Covid-19."
"The maximum fine for breaching the vaccination provisions of the Air Border Order has been reduced from NZ$4,000 to NZ$1,000."
"These changes represent important progress in current outbreak management and our 'reconnection strategy'."
In May, the then minister of outbreak response said pre-trip testing was no longer important compared to earlier this year.