Covid-19: New Zealand begins phased exit from lockdown

New Zealand has started to implement its multilayered plan of exit from the ongoing nationwide lockdown in order to curb and the spread of novel coronavirus. The country is now in a less severe phase of lockdown known as 'Level 3'.

Under this slightly less strict form of lockdown, some construction, non-essential business, healthcare and education activity have begun to resume.

The changes in rules brought by the country's shifting one notch down from its highest alert level include:

• People still have to stay in what's called their "household bubble", but they can expand that bubble now: to meet close family, caregivers, or support isolated people
• People should work from home where possible but businesses are allowed to open if they can provide contactless service
• Restaurants can now do "contactless" takeaway
• For recreational activities, you are allowed to drive short distances, and people have headed to parks and beaches this morning. You're allowed to do this with people from your household bubble
• Schools can reopen but have to ensure social distancing
• Mass gatherings will remain cancelled, and public venues closed

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the virus is under control, but also warned that despite the gradual lifting of the lockdown, the country was not "out of the woods".

She described the coming weeks under alert level 3 as "a recovery room of sorts".

She urged people to continue to stay at home, and work from home where possible, warning that "no one wants a second wave" of the pandemic.

New Zealand has reported three new positive tests, but no fatalities.

(Source: BBC)