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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (Photo: IANS)
Wellington, December 22 (RHC)-- New Zealand's authorities said on Tuesday that they would delay its re-opening plans until the end of February, fearing a rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
New Zealand had previously announced that non-quarantine travel would reopen by mid-January for New Zealand citizens and residents in Australia, and to foreign tourists by April.
“There’s no doubt this is disappointing and will upset many holiday plans, but it’s important to set these changes out clearly today so they can have time to consider those plans,” COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said in a statement.