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New Zealand has moved to \u2018Orange\u2019 of its Covid-19 traffic light system, meaning indoor capacity limits no longer apply.<\/p>\n
The changes came into effect at 11:59pm yesterday (Wednesday) and also mean controlled-access events that involve ticketing or registration can go ahead at a commercial or private venue without restrictions.<\/p>\n
The move means that New Zealand residents will be able to enjoy events and entertainment offerings over Easter. However, mask-wearing is still being enforced in environments such as museums but not at indoor or outdoor events.<\/p>\n
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said: \u201cThe revised Covid-19 Protection Framework we introduced three weeks ago has effectively managed the Omicron outbreak at \u2018Red\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past few weeks we\u2019ve seen a sustained reduction in cases and hospitalisations despite the relaxation of settings, so we\u2019re confident a move to \u2018Orange\u2019 can lock in those gains while helping the country return to a greater degree of normality.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder \u2018Orange\u2019 there are no indoor capacity limits and the seated and separated rule for hospitality venues lifts, so bars, cafes and restaurants are able to fill up again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prior to the swap to \u2018Orange\u2019, New Zealand was at \u2018Red\u2019 alert, meaning many restrictions were in place for events and entertainment settings.<\/p>\n
Music festival Rhythm and Vines was recently cancelled<\/a> as organisers did not know what position they would be in by Easter. The festival was originally planned for New Year but was postponed to Easter before eventually being cancelled due to the uncertainty.<\/p>\n The ICC Women\u2019s Cricket World Cup, which was held in New Zealand and Australia in March and April, was watched by limited capacity crowds before an increase to 100% attendance for the final stages of the tournament.<\/p>\n Capacity crowds were able to return to the country\u2019s stadia from the last weekend of March<\/a> when outdoor limits were scrapped in changes to the \u2018Red\u2019 setting.<\/p>\n