New Zealand Lifts COVID Restrictions, Allows Entry For Some Maritime Vessels
New Zealand has finally allowed the opening up of the maritime industry by lifting all restrictions that were related to COVID. However, cruise ships and leisure trips are still banned from entering the premises. All socio-economical restrictions are repealed except for border controls.
This relaxation is on the background that New Zealand is COVID free by Monday last week. It is one of the first countries to return to normalcy after the pandemic.
Now the major challenge before the government is to repair its economy that was shattered due to lockdown.
In coming days, cargo ship- crew exchange will not face any more border restrictions. They will arrive by air and will get transferred straight to cargo ships. The shipping routes are open and working.
Due to its geographical positioning, most of the maritime journeys take 14 days or more whereby the crew can self isolate. Thus the quarantine needs are also looked after.
Moreover, two syndicates who are to challenge for America’s Cup have been granted exemptions to enter the country where they’ll begin their event preparations.
Reuters/ WKZO