1552 days ago

Kiwis no longer have to go through quarantine to enter England

Brian from New Lynn

Britain will end coronavirus quarantines for people arriving in England from more than 50 countries, including Germany, France, Spain, New Zealand and Italy - but not the United States - the government said on Friday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government had debated for days how to ease the quarantine rules. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which set their own health policies within the United Kingdom, have not announced plans to lift the measures. "Today marks the next step in carefully reopening our great nation," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said. As the spread of the novel coronavirus slows in Europe, countries are reopening travel after more than three months of lockdown. Australia, New Zealand and Japan are included, as are Caribbean tourist destinations such as the Bahamas and Barbados, but popular holiday destination Portugal was not on the list. Nor were the United States, China, India or Russia. "The US from a very early stage banned flights from the UK and from Europe so there isn't a reciprocal arrangement in place," Shapps said. Britain's foreign ministry also set out exemptions from a global advisory against "all but essential" international travel, from July 4, a key to normal insurance being valid. The government said it expected countries included on the quarantine-free list to reciprocate by relaxing their own restrictions. The move to ditch the quarantine prompted three of Europe's biggest airlines, British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet to end a legal challenge against the government. Britain, with the highest COVID-19 death toll in Europe, is slowly reopening its economy. England and Northern Ireland will reopen pubs this weekend, and Scotland and Wales are expected to follow later in July. Johnson has warned people to maintain social distancing rules and is expected to repeat that caution at a news conference on Friday. "Anyone who flouts social distancing and COVID-secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal," he will say.
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More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

Riddle me this: Neighbourly edition!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What type of cheese is made backwards?

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6 days ago

Poll: What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?

Pullman Novotel

Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s only 5-star airport hotel, given its incredibly close proximity to the airport, the convenience of walking to the airport is a major highlight but there are plenty of other features that make it special. Find out more

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What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?
  • 3.2% Unmatched runway views with a private lounge
    3.2% Complete
  • 45.5% Exceptional service from arrival to departure
    45.5% Complete
  • 4.5% Gourmet dining featuring New Zealand's finest, celebrating Te Ao Māori kai
    4.5% Complete
  • 39.7% A soundproof oasis with all desired amenities
    39.7% Complete
  • 7.1% Māori culture reflected throughout, creating an architectural marvel
    7.1% Complete
156 votes
1 day ago

Daily riddle: The plot thickens in our neighbourhood!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

In the myth of Medusa, I was her hair, a creature of legend, with a deadly stare. What am I?

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