New Zealand has lifted travel restrictions for citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, although it’s not yet clear how many people will be allowed to travel.
A statement from New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern read: “New Zealanders will have full access to the country’s borders and we welcome the opportunity to help those in need.”
“We will work with our UK and Canada partners to get New Zealanders through this difficult time and the ongoing security and health risks it presents,” the statement added.
“New Zealand is proud to be an open, safe, and secure country.”
Ardern, who was elected last year, said the changes would allow people to leave the country without needing to be in the country to apply for visas or obtain travel documents.
But it was unclear how many Kiwis would be able to get around restrictions, or what those restrictions would be.
New Zealand has been struggling to cope with a wave of coronavirus infections and an ongoing influx of migrants, many of whom have been living in the capital Auckland.
The country is currently struggling with a major shortage of healthcare workers and it is now trying to fill that void with the construction of the $8.5 billion Māori and Pacific Health Network.
More than 80,000 people have been exposed to coronaviruses, most of whom are in New Zealand, while another 18,000 have died.
There are currently more than 2,000 coronaviral cases in New England, the most of any country in the world.
Arden said the Government was working hard to “keep the focus on prevention and treatment” and would work with its partners “to get New Zealands economy moving again.”
New York’s governor has also lifted a travel ban on US citizens from seven states, including New York and New Jersey.
However, the travel restrictions are expected to be lifted from Washington, DC, as well.
Some of those who had their visas cancelled are now being allowed to re-enter the US.