The New Zealand government on Wednesday said that it will keep its borders closed to most international travellers for a further five months, outlining a cautious easing of border curbs that have been in place since COVID-19 hit in March 2020.

Reuters reported that the South Pacific country enforced some of the tightest pandemic restrictions among OECD nations, limiting the spread of COVID-19 and helping its economy bounce back faster than many of its peers.

Also read: No beef, pork for Indian cricketers in Test series vs New Zealand: Report

Earlier this year, an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant, forced a shift in strategy, with the main city of Auckland now only gradually opening up as vaccination rates climb.

In a news conference, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said that fully vaccinated international travellers will be allowed to enter the country from April 30, 2022 onwards, with the re-opening staged over time.

Also read: It’s not just Peng Shuai, China is cracking down on MeToo movement

Fully vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders in neighbouring Australia can travel to New Zealand from January 16, while vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders from other countries will be allowed in from February 13.

Travellers will no longer be required to stay at state quarantine facilities, he said, but other measures will be put in place including a negative pre-departure test, proof of being fully vaccinated, and a COVID-19 test on arrival.