Solomons PM defends mandatory vaccination policy

Wellington: New Zealand will begin testing self-isolation instead of MIQ (managed isolation quarantine) for vaccinated people this year, with a new border system based on low, medium and high-risk entry paths kicking in from early 2022.

Vaccinations will also be open to all eligible ages from September 1 and the gap between first and second doses will be moved to six weeks instead of three, as the Government continues with its elimination strategy.

The Government has been responding to the Skegg report on reconnecting New Zealand with the rest of the world. The report was based on work by a group of public health specialists led by Professor Sir David Skegg, and warned that a full rollout of the vaccine would be required to start opening up to the world.

A forum on the report and the government’s response to it has been held in Wellington this morning, revealing the government’s four-step plan for border management.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the Government would use the second half of this year to vaccinate as many people as possible, and trialling having people isolate at home - instead of in managed isolation facilities - if they have been vaccinated.

“The impact of border closures has been tough. Very tough. It has impacted on loved ones - family and friends being separated, industries accessing skilled employment, or Kiwis just missing that personal sense of connection,” she said.

Honiara: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has defended his Government’s decision to enforce the mandatory administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. He said that the country is faced with an imminent threat, and his Government is taking decisive steps to address this threat.

“We face one of the most dangerous variants of COVID-19 that has killed more than 4.29 million people globally. We only need to look and learn from our neighbouring countries such as Australia, PNG, and Fiji to see that devastation this virus can do to a country.”

SI Times