United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
New Zealand makes masks mandatory on domestic flights
New Zealand is making the wearing of masks mandatory on domestic flights starting this week.
It comes into effect on 19 November.
It is also making it mandatory for all passengers aged 12 and over on Auckland’s public transport system.
Officials say it is a necessary move with one new local Covid-19 case reported last week.
"Adding mask wearing to the toolbox of measures against the virus is a sensible precaution, and the time is right to make the move," Health Minister Chris Hipkins said.
The public transport rule exempts children going to school and passengers in taxis and Uber rides, although their drivers must don masks.
The NZ government said it is mulling mandatory use of a Covid-19 tracing app before it allows entry to any large events and hospitality venues.
New Zealand has been one of the more successful countries in containing the virus, with 1,645 recorded infections and 25 deaths so far.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel