18
JUN
Foreign travel ends the nation’s 24-day streak of being free from COVID-19, with 3 new cases of COVID-19 reported.
Quarantine breaches and other failures resulted in three new COVID-19 cases, putting an end to the nation’s 24-day run with no positive cases.
New Zealand’s defence force will now oversee the country's quarantine facilities and strengthen border requirements. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern cites the need for the confidence, rigour and discipline that the military can provide.
The country’s border had remained closed to everyone except for returning citizens; certain exceptions have been made for business and compassion reasons. The suspension of compassionate exemptions will continue until further notice.
Impact on Food Supply Chain
New opportunities for cooperation and bilateral exchange emerge between New Zealand and China in light of the post COVID-19 economic recovery. Provisions in the bilateral free trade agreement signed by the two countries came into full force in 2019.
3
JUN
With no new COVID-19 cases for the 12th consecutive day, all social distancing measures may be lifted next week.
The Prime Minister announced that the nation may shift down to Alert Level 1.
This means that all social distancing measures could be lifted to return the country back to pre-pandemic normality, with the exception of reopening New Zealand’s borders.
Under level 1, there is no requirement for physical distancing or limits on the number of people allowed in places like bars, clubs, churches, and sports venues.
The government will work with large-scale event organisers to develop a voluntary "COVID code", which would help authorities in contact tracing if needed.
13
MAY
The Government plans to phase in more ‘freedom’ under Alert Level 2, to boost domestic demand and protect jobs.
New Zealand moved to Alert Level 2 “Reduce”, with hopes to restart the economy.
As the nation progresses through this level, the Government plans to regularly adjust their restrictions to allow more activity when it is safe to do so.
Ideas such as a shorter working week and creating more public holidays have been floated to help boost spending in the tourism and hospitality sectors that have been hit particularly hard by the lockdown.
Domestic travel is now permitted, with tourism operators and airlines ramping up services to meet demand. While international borders remain closed, there is scope for amendments in the future and a trans-Tasman bubble (i.e. a ‘safe travel zone’ with Australia) is possible at Alert Level 2.
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