A shot of airport workers wearing strange safety masks that cover their entire heads demonstrates just how far New Zealand has come in its efforts to curb the spread of Covid.
Staff from Christchurch’s biosecurity and immigration departments can be seen in the photo wearing powered air purifying respirators, or PAPRs, as well as N95 masks, which are said to have been taken this week.
Other employees who were donning N95 masks were also seen sporting safety eyewear.
Although many people across the world may find the protective gear unusual, New Zealand is well known for its extremely stringent attitude to Covid and for having comprehensive masking procedures in their airports.
Customs officers must wear fitted N95 masks and protective eyewear. Reading glasses don’t count.
In an effort to draw more tourists to New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently loosened regulations for foreign visitors.
Due to Ms. Ardern’s rigorous zero-Covid policy, which also made it difficult for its own citizens to get home, New Zealand was largely cut off from the rest of the globe during the pandemic.
After only a few incidents, numerous lockdowns had been implemented.
Travelers who are immunized and have valid visas can now enter the country without isolating, but they must still undergo two quick tests upon arrival and report the findings.
In her most recent visit across the ditch, Ms Ardern called on Australians to travel to her country.
‘I don’t hesitate to say we missed you. And you will get a welcome like no other right now, because we’re so excited to have people back,’ she said.
‘It’s ski season in New Zealand. Look, in regular times, Australians made up of our international skiers about 71 per cent of the market. So Aussies love to ski in New Zealand. I can see why. It’s easy, it’s accessible.’