Jacinda Ardern’s ‘stoner’ gaffe: Kiwis poke fun at the PM after she urged them to remain ‘spaced out’ as lockdown restrictions are eased
- New Zealand’s prime minister said coronavirus restrictions would be eased
- Jacinda Ardern urged Kiwis to stay ‘spaced out’ under level two lockdown
- Twitter users quickly began to joke Ms Ardern was making ‘stoner’ references
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Jacinda Ardern accidentally had Kiwis in fits of laughter on Tuesday when she urged them to stay ‘spaced out’ as lockdown restrictions are eased.
While the New Zealand prime minister meant that people should try to remain socially distant, some joked that she was encouraging them to get high.
Ms Ardern made the gaffe during Monday’s announcement that New Zealand’s lockdown laws would be lifted to level two on Thursday.
‘People will be at the movies but they’ll be spaced out,’ Ms Ardern said.
‘You’ll see bars and restaurants open but they’ll be required to have people seated and spaced out.’
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) announced yesterday New Zealand would be easing coronavirus restrictions on Thursday and moving to a level two lockdown
Pictured: Twitter users joked Ms Ardern was making ‘stoner’ references after encouraging New Zealanders to remain ‘spaced out’ under the eased restrictions
The viral comments led users to joke the prime minister was referencing cannabis use
Her comments quickly went viral online, with one Twitter user joking: ‘Level 2 sounds like a stoner’s dream!’
Another wrote: ‘New Zealand’s new normal: spaced out.’
A third person tweeted a fake quote from the prime minister: ‘New Zealand can get a little spaced out, as a treat’ – Jacinda Ardern.’
People also pointed out New Zealand would be holding a referendum for legalising recreational cannabis use in September.
Twitter users also pointed out New Zealanders would be voting in a referendum on recreational cannabis use in September
One user observed: ‘Interesting the cannabis referendum is happening in conjunction with group gatherings required to be spaced out.’
Another person said: ‘Are they legalising cannabis with this announcement? A lot of people are going to be spaced out.’
One commenter asked: ‘Cannabis referendum or Covid Level 2?’
A Twitter user wrote: ‘Trust New Zealand to take Jacinda’s ‘spaced out’ in a different way.’
Commenters jokingly noted the similarity between cannabis use and social distancing
