Skip to main content

Road to no-lockdown: New Zealand sets target of 90% vaccination

 New Zealand is working aggressively and pro-actively to end the pandemic-induced lockdowns that have gravely impacted the economy of countries alike. In this direction, the government led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern set a rather ambitious goal on Friday to bring an end to lockdowns – completely vaccinating 90% of the eligible population. 

This comes as PM Ardern is under firing pressure to bring an end to lockdown in Auckland, giving much-needed respite to people living in the largest city of New Zealand who has been under restrictive lockdown for over two months now. Under the new modus operandi, people in Auckland will be able to regain their freedoms once 90 percent of over 12 years old people are fully vaccinated. Other parts of the Asia Pacific country would gain freedoms on a broader scale once they hit the 90 percent vaccination mark. People would be required to use vaccination certificates to gain entry to places like bars, gyms, and restaurants. Under the new plan, each of New Zealand’s 20 health districts is required to reach the 90 percent vaccination target. 

Though the vaccination rates have seen a decline in New Zealand, PM Ardern believes that Auckland can meet the vaccination target within weeks. Currently, 89% of eligible people in Auckland have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and 73% have had both doses. This vaccination rate is slightly higher than that of the national average. 

“My message to the New Zealanders who have not yet had their first dose: If you want summer, if you want to go to bars and restaurants, get vaccinated,” Ardern said. “If you want to get a haircut, get vaccinated. If you want to go to a concert, or a festival, get vaccinated.”

Opposition Leader Judith Collins is, however, wary of the target and believes that lockdowns could last for months. She is advocating a precautionary approach by fully reopening New Zealand by December.

New Zealand sets a target of 90% vaccination
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bangladesh Military Expresses Discontent Over Chinese Weapons; Reports 'Sub-Standard' and Faulty Parts

  Bangladesh, a traditional buyer of Chinese military equipment, has raised grievances with Beijing regarding the delivery of defective components and technical malfunctions in its imported military hardware. This issue is not unique to Bangladesh, as other nations like Myanmar have also encountered problems with Chinese fighter jets, according to an ET report. Experts in the Chinese defense industry argue that Beijing lacks the expertise to manufacture highly sophisticated military hardware and is not yet considered a top-tier producer of modern defense equipment. They claim that much of China's weapon systems are based on outdated technology copied from the West. Developing countries often opt for Chinese weapons due to their lower cost compared to similar systems from Western countries. China sells arms through state-run export organizations like the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), NORINCO, and CVIC. Sources familiar with the matter told ET that the Bangladesh mil...
Post a Comment
Read more

India raises concern over North Korea missile tests at UNSC, 2nd time in weeks

 As the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) met for the second time in a month over the missile tests in North Korea, India yet again raised concerns over the impact on peace and security in the region. New Delhi has also reiterated its support for the denuclearisation in the Korean peninsula, underlining that it is “in collective interest” while also stressing that “dialogue and diplomacy” are preferred means to resolve the issue. The latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test by the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) has again sparked tensions between nations with the United States and its allies calling for the country to limit its programs even as Russia and China back Pyongyang amid the likelihood of new sanctions. In the latest UNSC meeting, the United States, Britain, France, and India were among 14 nations to "strongly condemn" the latest North Korea launch on Friday, which was reported to have landed about 125 miles (200 kilometers) from ...
Post a Comment
Read more

North Korea Celebrates 'New Era of a Space Power' after Satellite Launch

  In a significant development, North Korea recently celebrated what it termed a 'new era of a space power' following the successful launch of a satellite. The reclusive nation's space endeavors have long been a source of international concern and scrutiny, raising questions about its technological capabilities and intentions. This latest achievement has reignited debates and speculation about North Korea's space ambitions. The satellite launch, conducted by North Korea's space agency, comes amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and global attention on the Korean Peninsula. The state media hailed the event as a major milestone, highlighting the successful deployment of the satellite into orbit. However, it is important to note that the international community remains skeptical, with concerns over the dual-use nature of space technology that could potentially be applied to ballistic missile systems. North Korea's pursuit of space capabilities has been a conten...
Post a Comment
Read more