The Covid narrative is collapsing. Major nations around the globe — including some of the most authoritarian and oppressive since the start of the China-fueled Covid pandemic — are suddenly lifting their restrictions. Below is a rundown of the latest and most notable nations to do so.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s government on Thursday said it will end its quarantine requirements for incoming travelers and reopen its borders, a change welcomed by thousands of citizens abroad who have endured long waits to return home.
Since the start of the pandemic, New Zealand has enacted some of the world’s strictest border controls. Most incoming travelers need to spend 10 days in a quarantine hotel room run by the military, a requirement that has created a bottleneck at the border. (AP)
Austria
Austria will end its lockdown for unvaccinated residents next Monday, one day before a COVID-19 vaccine mandate takes effect in the country, the government announced Wednesday, according to Austrian news agency APA.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein said the measure, which was introduced in November, was no longer needed because there was no threat of hospital intensive care units being overstretched, APA reported. (AlArabiya)
Switzerland
The Swiss government has announced a proposal to lift most Covid restrictions, which are currently in place in the country, later this month. The Swiss Federal Council is expected to approve the proposal this Wednesday. “Starting next week, I think we can discuss lifting the quarantine and ‘home office’ requirements,” Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset told reporters Friday.
The Swiss Federal Council is expected to approve Berset’s proposal this Wednesday. (The Rio Times)