NZ Prime Minister Responds to Calls to Open Borders
Jacinda Ardern, NZ Prime Minister called by residents to open borders. Ardern says this could be a dangerous move as the COVID-19 the pandemic Is escalating. According to the PM, New Zealand was in a much better position because of its “hard-won gains”. Ardern further reveals that opening the borders at this stage of the pandemic comes at a staggering price.
There are numerous cases of that are from imports and subsequently led to outbreaks in New Zealand. This has resulted in the country closing its border and imposing strict measures. Moreover, Ardern states that opening up more to the Pacific and Australia is an option that the government might consider but pushing to open more borders is dangerous. Se says this might impose some intense health risks.
New Zealand Proposes to Open More Quarantine Facilities
In a bid to better deal with the issue, the Prime Minister revealed that the government plans to open four more quarantine facilities. These are ready to start operating and will accommodate more Kiwis who arrive home from overseas. The country seeks to add over 900 more beds. There are over 4858 people who are in quarantine in NZ. She says the facility has the capacity to accommodate 6103 people.
New Zealand expects 2751 more citizens to arrive in the country. While 1759 will leave this week. The Prime Minister reiterates that there will be enough back-up capacity. She says that ramping up capacity is a much-needed option as more people return to the country.
However, she states that with the 1200-odd spare beds available. The beds might be filled soon as the number if infected people increases.
No New Cases Reported
One of the many reasons why NZ Prime Minister was called to open borders is because there were no new cases reported since June 18. That was the first “zero” day New Zealand recorded.
Todd Muller, the leader of National Party says that he did not necessarily call for borders to be open but he is seeking for clarity around the criteria for mandatory quarantine measures.
NZ Eases Travel Restrictions
New Zealand wants to ease travelling restrictions. According to Ardern, the Government is looking at easing travel restriction laws. The government might change the current laws to allow Kiwis who have planned trips overseas to pay for the 14 days’ managed isolation or quarantine once they return.
The opening up of NZ borders could mean that casino international high rollers will be able to visit casinos in the country. But that does not look like something the Prime Minister has in her cards. When she was asked about Kiwis going to Europe on holiday, which will mean opening up the county’s borders to 13 other countries as of 1 July, she replied with: “Don’t. Enjoy your own backyard.”