NZ GOVT DROPPING COVID-19 POWERS
Until the government unrolled the covid-19 jab there were a total of 27 deaths “with” covid-19. Since then deaths have gone up hugely according to official statistics.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/new-zealand/
That does not factor in the indeterminate numbers of people who died or are maimed from taking the jab.
Tell me what what makes sense, if anything.
“Acting Minister for Covid-19 Response Chris Hipkins says today marks a “significant milestone” in the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Government has been clear that the measures used to contain the spread of Covid-19 need to be proportionate to the risk of the virus, so it’s appropriate to wind down many of the extraordinary powers that are no longer needed,” Hipkins said.
“What were once justified and served our country well should now be removed.”
Is this a case of releasing the slack before the next round of control measures come in?
Climate lockdowns?
The next “virus”?
Covid: Lockdowns, mandates, MIQ to be removed from Govt powers
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Acting Minister for Covid-19 Response Chris Hipkins says today marks a “significant milestone” in the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Government has been clear that the measures used to contain the spread of Covid-19 need to be proportionate to the risk of the virus, so it’s appropriate to wind down many of the extraordinary powers that are no longer needed,” Hipkins said.
“What were once justified and served our country well should now be removed.
“With these changes, the legal framework matches the risk.”
An outline of the changes announced today can be found below.
List of public health measures to be removed from Act
- Movement restrictions beyond self-isolation requirements e.g. localised or national “lockdowns”
- Managed isolation and quarantine
- Worker vaccine mandates
- Capacity/Gathering limits
- My Vaccine Pass
- Requirement to display QR codes
- Record keeping for contact tracing purposes
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration System
- Entry restrictions at the border
- Vaccination requirements for travellers
- Testing – for people in self-isolation or who would otherwise be required to self-isolate
The Government also released a list of public health measures to be retained in the act for current or potential future use.
- Self-isolation (for cases, household contacts, close contacts)
- Mask use
And for those travelling to New Zealand: (The Government says that retaining these powers does not mean they will be used, but they can be if required.)
- Mask use on inbound flights to New Zealand
- Pre-departure and/or post-arrival testing requirements
- Requirement for airline/ship operator to prevent passengers who have not complied with pre-departure travel requirements
- Not boarding a flight to New Zealand while exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms or if under a public health order in another country or if currently positive for Covid-19
- Self-isolation and self-quarantine for people arriving from at risk countries (or potentially from anywhere)
- Provision of travel history and contact information to support contact tracing
The Government noted that the seven-day case isolation period and mask-wearing requirements for visitors in certain healthcare settings will remain “for the time being” as cases and hospitalisations rise.
“The Government’s plan before the end of the year is to remove the most restrictive powers from the act that are no longer required for the response, while still ensuring we can practically manage the ongoing impact of Covid-19,” Hipkins said.
“It will retain an ability to put in place case isolation periods and mask-wearing requirements and if necessary, requirements on travellers that can be called on if things change and we need to step up our response, but most other measures, including lockdowns, will be removed.”
Hipkins added the next review of the measures will be by the end of November this year.
From a day ago
Newshub can reveal that the Government is seeking to extend COVID-19 restriction powers for another two years.
Newshub has just been leaked a proposal. It’s documentation in which the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet proposes that the legislation which underpins COVID-19 restrictions stay in place until 2025.
It wants the Act extended from its expiry date of May next year to May 2025.
It says this will ensure that the powers required to respond to COVID-19 – including new variants – remain available to the Government.
This comes as most countries are winding back their COVID-19 responses and it’s likely going to cause upset among the business community.
Newshub asked the Prime Minister about when restrictions would end.
“I’ve always been cautious about making too many predictions about COVID,” she said.
“What I can tell you is we are in a very different place than where we were a year ago. Highly vaccinated, anti-virals and we know so much more. You won’t see things like some of those more necessary but harsh measures, they are off the table, but we do still ask people who are sick to stay home.”
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister later said “we intend to announce the next steps shortly”.
“Ministers have been reviewing the COVID-19 Act to ensure it is fit for purpose now that we’re through the emergency response,” they told Newshub.
“The Government’s plan is to remove powers from the Act that are no longer required for the response, while still ensuring we can practically manage the ongoing impact of COVID.”
