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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Tess McClure in Auckland

New Zealand closes borders to new arrivals over ‘unprecedented’ Omicron risk

A member of the public receives a Pfizer vaccine at a drive-through coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination clinic in Otara
Chris Hipkins said the border closure would give health authorities time to improve New Zealand’s 78% coronavirus vaccination figure. Photograph: Reuters

New Zealand has temporarily cut off the only pathway home for overseas citizens and visa holders, citing the risk of the Omicron variant.

Officials announced on Tuesday evening that new spaces in the country’s managed isolation and quarantine system (MIQ) would not be released.

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