'Major milestone' as NZ ends most remaining rules

New Zealand removed most of its remaining COVID-19 restrictions on Monday as the government signaled a return to normal life for the first time since the pandemic began. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told that the changes "mark a milestone".

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand Prime Minister said "The changes we've made today are significant. They mark a milestone in our response. This is a time when finally, rather than feeling that COVID dictates what happens to us, our lives, and our futures, we take control back as we continue to drive economic activity and our recovery."

People will no longer be required to wear masks in supermarkets and on transport and tourists will no longer need to be vaccinated in order to visit the country. Case numbers in New Zealand are at their lowest point since February this year.