The New Zealand government has announced that they will not follow other countries such as Australia and the United States in imposing entry restrictions on travelers from China, but will instead implement a voluntary testing system.
New Zealand Covid-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall said the decision was based on the "minimal public health threat" posed to New Zealand by travelers from China.
"Officials have completed a public health risk assessment, including looking at scenarios for potential case numbers for travelers from China, which confirmed that these visitors would not make a significant contribution to our Covid case numbers, meaning there is no need or justification for entry restrictions," she said.
"The public health risk to New Zealand is minimal. We know BF7 is the variant prevalent in China, and it has not caused significant outbreaks in other countries, which, such as New Zealand, have been exposed to the BA5 variant. So public health measures are not required Shi to protect New Zealanders."
Rather than resorting to mandatory testing, some travelers entering New Zealand from China will be randomly emailed asking them to take a rapid antigen test (RAP) and share the results with authorities, but participation will remain optional.
Previously, some countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, had implemented pre-departure virus testing for travelers from China.
Australian Health Minister Mark Butler announced on New Year's Day that from January 5, 2023, passengers flying from China to Australia will be required to test negative for the new crown before departure.
The Australian opposition party asked the Labor government to explain why it refused to listen to health advice
Australian National Party leader David Littleproud once again asked Health Minister Mark Butler to "come out and explain" not only Australians but also China's pre-flight testing requirements, which is contrary to medical advice.
He said Labor had "lost control of the situation" after the health secretary was revealed to be "going into hiding" against the advice of chief medical officer Paul Kelly.
"This government seems to think they won't do it (follow the advice) and they won't give an explanation," Mr Littleproud said on Wednesday.
"If they have a reason, we're all ears."
"We say that if Mark Butler wants to stand up and stop hiding... give you an explanation, then I'm sure he can give a convincing argument as to why they are making this decision contrary to the Chief Medical Officer."
Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston is reported to have added more criticism to Labor's decision to ignore medical advice and impose Covid restrictions on travelers from China.
Senator Ruston, building on yesterday's call for the government to explain its decision, today told Sky News the move was a "break of trust" to the Australian public who had been told to "get on with our lives".
"This government has made a commitment to the Australian public that we will learn to live with Covid," she said.
"This decision, taken without any medical advice or medical necessity, shows that we are not really pursuing this."
