This article documents the chronology of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2021, which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Some developments may become known or fully understood only in retrospect. Reporting on this pandemic began in December 2019.
19 October
- Scientists have discovered a new type of SARS-CoV-2 Delta plus variant called AY.4.2, which appears to be slightly more infectious than the Delta variant. The new variant is currently being monitored in the United Kingdom as new cases rise.[1]
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5 October
- The Malaysian Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon warned that teachers who refused to get vaccinated before 1 November 2021 in accordance with a Public Service Department circular would face disciplinary action.[5]
10 October
- The Malaysian Government has lifted all interstate and international restrictions for fully vaccinated residents since 90% of its adult population had been fully vaccinated.[8][9]
4 October
- New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern confirmed that the country's elimination strategy would be phased out in favour of a new model that takes into account the country's vaccination rates. That same day, Ardern unveiled the Government's three-stage strategy to move Auckland out of lockdown, which involved a gradual relaxation of restrictions on physical gatherings and economic activities subject to mask-wearing and social distancing requirements.[17][18]
5 October
- Australian Prime Minister Morrison announced that Australia would buy 300,000 courses of Merck & Co.'s Molnupiravir anti-viral drug to assist efforts to treat COVID-19.[19]
8 October
- The New Zealand Government reinstated Alert Level 3 restrictions in the Northland Region after an Auckland woman who tested positive for COVID-19 used false information to obtain travel documents and spent several days in the region.[21]
11 October
- The Australian city of Sydney has reopened cafes, gyms and restaurants to fully vaccinated customers, ending four months of lockdown.[24]
- New Zealand's pharmaceutical supplier Pharmac has purchased 60,000 courses of molnupiravir pills from Merck & Co.[25]
18 October
- The New Zealand Government has confirmed that Auckland will remain on Alert Level 3 for at least two more weeks. Waikato will remain on Alert Level 3 due to further cases and positive wastewater testing results. Northland will remain on Alert Level 3 due to continuing community transmissions.[26]
22 October
- The New Zealand Government outlined its new Covid-19 Protection Framework (also known as the "Traffic Light Framework"), which involves lowering public gathering and gathering distancing restrictions in accordance with national vaccination rates.[27][28]
26 October
- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Workplace Relations Minister Michael Wood announced a new vaccine mandate requiring all workers in hospitality businesses, gyms, barbers, and hairdressers to get vaccinated within four weeks.[29]
28 October
- New Zealand's COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced that international arrivals will only have to isolate for seven days from 14 November in an effort to free up about 1,500 rooms a month. From 8 November, fully vaccinated travellers from low risk Pacific Island countries such as the Cook Islands will also be eligible for quarantine-free travel.[30][31]