New Zealand Declares Victory Over COVID-19 and War... 'Resumption of Economic Activities'

Arden: "Social Distancing Must Be Maintained, Such as Gathering in Groups of 10 or Fewer"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] New Zealand, which declared victory in the war against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), has decided to gradually ease the lockdown policy that lasted for nearly two months.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on the 11th that the lockdown measures would be lifted step by step. According to the schedule presented by Prime Minister Ardern, cafes, restaurants, movie theaters, and shops will reopen on the 14th. Facilities allowed to open also include playgrounds and gyms, and domestic travel will become possible. Schools will reopen starting from the 18th. Bars and similar establishments will be allowed to resume operations on the 21st.

However, the New Zealand government emphasized that social distancing and other measures will still be in effect even after businesses reopen. Group activities will be limited to no more than 10 people, and even if stores open, they must change their business methods to reduce face-to-face contact with customers.

Prime Minister Ardern said, "Restaurants cannot accept reservations for more than 10 people," adding, "Even if problems arise, keeping groups within 10 people makes it much easier to suppress the spread or trace contacts."

Ardern stated, "Most economic activities in New Zealand will resume within ten days," and added, "This is faster than any other country." She further explained, "This schedule follows the government's original plan to resume economic activities earlier than other countries."

Bloomberg News reported that New Zealanders are welcoming this measure. Since March 26, New Zealand has implemented strict lockdown measures, preventing ordinary citizens from visiting hair salons or dining out.

New Zealand took strict lockdown measures with the plan to stop the spread of COVID-19 and then resume economic activities. As a result, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is 1,497, the lowest among developed countries, and the death toll remains at 21.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.