New Zealand Achieves Full COVID-19 Freedom

New Zealand will remove all remaining COVID-19 requirements, including the wearing of face masks in healthcare facilities and the seven-day isolation period for those who contract the virus, from midnight Tuesday. The decision comes as the country's vaccination rates remain high and hospitals successfully managed the winter without being overwhelmed. While the government's handling of the pandemic was praised globally, it faced criticism domestically for extended lockdowns and closed borders. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins called the end of restrictions a significant milestone and urged people to stay home for five days if unwell or tested positive.