Covid-19: Niue days from full vaccination, travel bubble in place by end of year
Niue is on its way to fully vaccinating its entire eligible population in the next few days and could soon open up its borders to New Zealand tourists, Premier Dalton Tagelagi says.
The Pacific nation began its vaccination programme in June and has successfully administered the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to 97 per cent of its eligible population of people aged over 16.
Nearly 2000 people live in Niue.
The second round is currently under way and Tagelagi hopes to see the same result at the end, if not better.
READ MORE:
* Covid-19: Tokelau vaccination begins in July, Niue travel bubble soon and Fiji outbreak devastating – Minister Sio
* Covid-19: First Pfizer vaccines to land in Niue, roll-out begins this week
* New Zealand could be invited to join travel bubble with Hong Kong, Singapore
“There is an indication that some 3 per cent who chose not to vaccinate are now looking at vaccinating.”
The full roll-out is expected to be completed by July 10 and the government is also looking to vaccinate those aged 12-15, pending MedSafe approval.
“With a 97 per cent vaccination rate, it is a tremendous result, and it shows that the majority have chosen to be vaccinated for the safety and wellbeing of the country, and for our children,” Tagelagi said.
“We have had minor concerns expressed by residents, some have chosen not to get vaccinated due to religious reasons but this is entirely their choice.”
Tagelagi said he was excited about the opportunities full vaccination of the island would bring as Niue looked to rebuild its economy.
It is one of only 14 countries in the world that has remained Covid-free.
Tagelagi said Niue had been preparing to welcome back tourists into the country and the government was considering introducing vaccine passports.
He would not say if a two-way quarantine-free travel bubble would open with New Zealand soon but said it would definitely be by the end of the year.
Niue's residents have been allowed to enter New Zealand, bypassing mandatory quarantine, since March.
“My officials are working on two-way quarantine-free travel, and we continue to ensure that all protocols and safety elements are in place for travel.”