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As public transportation users embrace face covers, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has felt confident enough to relax physical distancing on domestic planes, trains and ferries with immediate effect.
That’s despite the Ministry of Health’s model suggesting there is a 25 percent chance that confirmed Covid-19 cases will move out of Auckland, the center of a group that has recorded 177 cases so far.
For some time, University of Otago public health professor Michael Baker has argued that physical distancing was not necessary if masks or face coverings were worn, which are still mandatory.
ROSS GIBLIN / THINGS
The majority of Wellington commuters wear masks as it becomes mandatory on public transport in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19.
So it came as no surprise that Baker welcomed Monday’s announcement, saying it was “a real recognition that masks work.”
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PINK WOODS / THINGS
University of Otago public health professor Michael Baker was part of the group that advised the government on the coronavirus. Released June 16.
“I think that shows that we have caught up with the science on this.
“I think it is also a recognition that public health and economic health go hand in hand. That there is no competition between the two. In fact, people are much more likely to go to cafes and get on with their lives if they are confident that their safety is protected, “said Baker.
The change will also be a relief for some travelers, as airlines and other transportation providers that require advance reservations can now accept more customers.
The change saw Air New Zealand put more than 180,000 of its cheapest fares up for sale on its national network, said the company’s chief executive Greg Foran.
Abigail Dougherty / Stuff
Airlines no longer need to observe physical distance in domestic aircraft seats, but face covering is still mandatory.
The national airline says 160,000 of the fares will be available for less than $ 50, with 9,000 of these available during the upcoming school holidays.
“It is important to note that the elimination of physical distancing does not mean that it is unsafe to fly; our crews will continue to wear masks and face coverings remain a requirement for customers,” Foran said.
Australian airline Jetstar will also resume operations in New Zealand, following a four-week suspension of service due to difficulties in meeting physical distance requirements.
Wellington’s public transport operator Metlink said Monday’s decision meant capacity could return to normal.
It has been enforcing a rigid policy that keeps people one meter apart and wear masks, in accordance with government guidelines.
Hannah Peters / Getty Images
Physical distancing on buses is no longer mandatory, following an announcement by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday.
That meant it could only carry 30 to 35 percent of the usual numbers on buses, 30 percent on trains and 50 percent on ferries, Metlink CEO Scott Gallacher said.
“This change is due to the hard work of Metlink staff and passengers who have shown fantastic support in covering their faces, giving the government the confidence to relax physical distancing in public transportation,” said Gallacher.
Passengers should continue to follow level 2 advice, which included travel logs, good personal hygiene, and completely avoid public transportation if they were ill.
AUCKLAND TRANSPORTATION
Auckland Transport has reintroduced special cleaning measures for buses, trains and ferries as Auckland moves to alert level 3. Released on 21 August.
“We have to be vigilant. It is paramount for the safety of the community that we all follow the advice of the government. We are all in this together and the Government is asking all of us to make the most appropriate personal decisions during these extraordinary times, ”added Gallacher.
The Health Ministry said that while physical distancing was no longer mandatory in public transport, “people should continue to observe it” whenever possible.
“If you are traveling to work, school or on vacation, remember to practice basic hygiene measures: disinfect your hands, cough into your elbow and, most importantly, if you are unwell, stay home,” read a statement.
Ardern said on Monday that widespread testing for the virus had been conducted in the past two weeks and there was no sign of the virus outside Auckland.
However, there were some “hot spots” in Auckland, including the dueling event that had become a subset of the virus.
“More cases will emerge from the tail of this group,” Ardern said.
“The model made for the Ministry of Health continues to suggest around a 25 percent chance that cases will move out of the Auckland region. So even though the cases are currently in Auckland, with interregional travel open, there is a risk of spreading the virus to the rest of the country. “
