Prognosis

New Zealand Urged to Complete Vaccinations Before Opening Border

Jacinda Ardern receives her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine on July 28.Photographer: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Tracy Withers

August 10, 2021 at 5:00 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

New Zealand should complete its vaccine rollout before starting to re-open its border next year because of the risks posed by the more infectious delta variant of Covid-19, according to a group of health experts who advise the government.

The Strategic Covid-19 Public Health Advisory Group has released a report recommending a phased reopening of the border once all adults have been offered vaccination, Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said in a statement Wednesday in Wellington. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is due to outline the government’s response to the recommendations at a forum on Thursday.