New Zealand to loosen the country’s coronavirus lockdown next Monday because they’ve ‘broken the chain’ – as Jacinda Ardern calls for businesses to ‘get ready to open’
- New Zealand will move out of strict level four restrictions on Monday next week
- Tough lockdown rules were brought in on March 26 to slow the spread of virus
- Kiwis will move out of tough restrictions on Monday, April 27 at 11.59pm
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
Jacinda Ardern has announced the toughest measures from New Zealand’s coronavirus clampdown will be removed.
The country will end its level four lockdown rules on April 27 and move to level three for at least two weeks.
Under level three lockdown rules, schools will reopen, and more businesses – including the construction and forestry industries – can get back to work. Restaurants and cafes will be able operate for delivery orders only.
A review will be undertaken on May 11 to decide whether to ease restrictions even further.
Ms Adern said socially, level three would not be much different to level three, however, economically it would be different.
The tough level four restrictions have seen Kiwis stuck in their homes for the past four weeks. They have only been allowed to leave to do food shopping, to seek medical care or for exercise.
Supermarkets remained open but all other food stores, such as cafes and restaurants were forced to close.
New Zealand appears to be over the worst of its coronavirus outbreak but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) says she’s hesitant to lift the strict lockdown measures
Since imposing a full-scale lockdown on March 26, the country has seen its infection rate fall.
It recorded nine straight days of under 20 new COVID-19 cases, heightening hopes the country’s extreme lockdown will be loosened.
On Monday, health authorities announced a fresh nine cases, bringing the nationwide tally to 1440.
Of that, 974 people have recovered from the virus.
With no deaths in the last 24 hours, the country’s death toll stands at 12.
The New Zealand Cabinet is meeting on Monday to make a decision on whether to extend the lockdown or reduce the most onerous restrictions.