New Zealand’s COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) has ended. With case numbers low, most COVID-19 rules were removed on 13 September 2022.
Protecting lives and livelihoods remains the goal of the Government’s COVID-19 response. It is now possible to do this with fewer requirements, giving greater certainty to people, businesses and communities.
With case numbers falling, a highly vaccinated population, and increased access to antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19, public health experts say it is safe to remove most COVID-19 rules and end border restrictions.
Thanks to the efforts of New Zealanders throughout the pandemic, we have saved thousands of lives. As well as each person and family who has followed the rules, we thank iwi and Māori health providers, Pacific organisations, aged care providers, businesses, schools and other education providers who have made extraordinary efforts to protect people and communities.
Managing the virus
Isolation is our main tool to manage the spread of the virus. It is the most effective way to keep case numbers low. Isolating for 7 days remains a requirement for everyone who tests positive.
To monitor for new variants arriving from overseas, the Government will continue to use:
- follow-up PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests and genome sequencing of positive cases in travellers
- targeted surveillance at the border.
Mental health support
COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Effective mental health tools are available to help people recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Isolation and face masks
From 13 September 2022 you must still:
- isolate for 7 days if you have COVID-19
- wear a face mask in certain healthcare facilities, such as hospitals.
Some places may continue to ask people to wear a face mask.
Household Contacts
Household Contacts no longer need to isolate for 7 days. If you live with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, we recommend you:
- take a rapid antigen test (RAT) each day for 5 days
- avoid contact with the person who has COVID-19.
Antiviral medicines
Antiviral medicines are available for people at risk of becoming very sick with COVID-19, including:
- any New Zealander aged 65 or older
- Māori and Pacific peoples aged 50 or older
- anyone with 3 high-risk conditions.
This will help protect our vulnerable communities.
Vaccine mandates
All government vaccine mandates will end at 11:59pm, 26 September 2022. Some employers may still require workers to be vaccinated due to health and safety.
Travel requirements
Travellers and crew do not need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Please check with your travel provider, for example your airline, as they may still require proof of vaccination.
People entering New Zealand will be given free RATs. We encourage you test on the day you arrive and on day 5 or 6. Please report any positive RAT results.
Household Contacts
If you live with someone who has COVID-19, we recommend you do a rapid antigen test (RAT) each day for 5 days.
Support for mental health
Where to find help, plus mental well-being tools to help people recover from the impact of the pandemic.
History of the traffic lights
The COVID-19 Protection Framework set out rules for Red, Orange and Green traffic light settings.
