New Zealand has reopened bars and pubs today as the country continues its incredible success against the coronavirus pandemic.
The loosening of restrictions on business, gatherings and travel were eased in three stages across the country starting from 14 May.
Pubs reopening marks the final phase of the country entering ‘Alert 2’ of their coronavirus action plan, which allowed Kiwis to slowly return to everyday life.
New Zealand, with a population of five million, has recorded 1,503 coronavirus cases and just 21 deaths, with its success largely attributed to a strict lockdown imposed in late March.
Drinkers at Regatta in Takapuna, Auckland, enjoy socializing with friends over a beer after pubs were allowed to reopen today across the country
New Zealand has reopened bars and pubs today as the country continues its incredible success against the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: drinkers at Regatta in Takapuna, Auckland today
Patrons at Danny Doolans in the Viaduct Basin enjoy socializing with a drink as many in Auckland took a trip to pubs after they reopened
People enjoy a drink outside at the bars in Auckland’s Wynard Quarter today. Pubs reopening marks the final phase of the country entering ‘Alert 2’ of their coronavirus action plan, which allowed Kiwis to slowly return to everyday life
Restaurants, cinemas, retail, playgrounds and gyms are now able to open with physical distancing and strict hygiene measures in place while gatherings are limited to 10 people. Pictured: drinkers outside Soul Bar in Auckland’s Viaduct Basin
Patrons at Morningside Tavern in Auckland enjoy drinks today as the country continues to reopen after successfully controlling the coronavirus outbreak there
Restaurants, cinemas, retail, playgrounds and gyms are now able to open with physical distancing and strict hygiene measures in place while gatherings are limited to 10 people.
Domestic travel has also resumed after New Zealand was placed under full lockdown on March 26 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes as children across the country returned to lessons on Monday. Excited youngsters greeted classmates for the first time in eight weeks in cities such as Wellington and Auckland after parents dropped them off at ‘kiss and go zones’ at the gate as part of strict social distancing measures.
Ardern has hailed New Zealanders for ‘breaking the chain of transmission’ during the successful five-week lockdown.
Patrons at Morningside Tavern in Auckland enjoy drinks and table service today as pubs and restaurants reopened across the country
New Zealand, with a population of five million, has recorded 1,503 coronavirus cases and just 21 deaths, with its success largely attributed to a strict lockdown imposed in late March. Pictured: patrons at Morningside Tavern in Auckland today
Prime Minister Ardern has hailed New Zealanders for ‘breaking the chain of transmission’ during the successful five-week lockdown. Pictured: drinkers at Morningside Tavern in Auckland today
Patrons at Regatta in Takapuna enjoy socializing with friends over a drink in Auckland, New Zealand. Pubs across the country reopened today
People enjoy socializing with a drink outside at the bars in Auckland’s Wynard Quarter today. New Zealand has reopened pubs and bars
Bars are able to reopen across New Zealand today as the final phase of the COVID-19 Alert Level 2 measures come into effect. Pictured: Morningside Tavern in Auckland
A bartender pours drinks at Morningside Tavern in Auckland. All pubs and restaurants were shut due to the coronavirus pandemic
People enjoy socializing with a drink outside at Headquarters in Auckland’s Viaduct Basin. The reopening of pubs is part of the eased move out of lockdown
Ellen Gray pours a drink for patrons at Regatta in Takapuna as people enjoy socializing with friends over a drink in the bar today
Domestic travel has also resumed after New Zealand was placed under full lockdown on March 26 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured: patrons at Regatta in Takapuna
New Zealand has also provided exhaustive detail about the epidemic on a government website, including details of every case.
Ardern has also floated the idea of a four-day working week to help boost tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
She said a number of ideas were being ‘bounced around’ to support New Zealanders through the pandemic and make the most of domestic travel.
The success in controlling coronavirus has translated into a poll boost for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, with new data revealing that she is now the country’s most popular leader for a century – with an election due to take place in September this year.
Poll data gathered by the NZ Herald showed 59.5 per cent of people want her to continue as leader, up a huge 20.8 points since the last poll was conducted in February – as coronavirus was spreading but before the country went into lockdown.