New Zealand sets 90% vaccine target to end lockdown

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday announced that the country will move to a new “traffic light” system of looser public health restrictions once 90% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Auckland however, will be able to move to the “red light” zone once all three of its district health boards reach 90% double doses.

New Zealand has set a 90-percent vaccination target for scrapping lockdowns as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unveils a plan to open up despite the stubborn grip of the Delta variant.

A broad outline of the new system for managing Covid-19 restrictions has been delivered, but critics say it’s confusing; there’s 129 new cases; some hospitals are still rushing to prepare for the virus, and a third dose of vaccine is now available.

What people are saying?

Morgan Godfery When the eligible population reaches the 90% target we know that underneath it will be a significantly lower Māori vaccination rate. Covid-19 has already become a disease primarily for Māori with more than half of the new infections at this stage of the outbreak being Māori.

David Latin At least she tries. I suppose it’s hard to protect those who don’t want to protect themselves. And lots, at least in Australia, don’t take it seriously enough. We all move at the speed of the slowest car somewhere ahead of us. And the one that’s the most complacent!