New Zealand Lifts COVID-19 Lockdown and Resumes In-Person Schooling... "Mandatory Masks on Public Transport"

New Zealand Reports 9 New COVID-19 Cases on 31st
Lockdown Lifted but Level 2 Maintained

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Recently, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the New Zealand government, which had reintroduced lockdown measures, has partially lifted the lockdown measures, judging that the spread has subsided. Schools and business activities have resumed, but wearing masks is mandatory when using public transportation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern demonstrating mask-wearing [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 30th, New Zealand lifted various lockdown measures, judging that the spread of COVID-19 centered around the capital Auckland has subsided. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, "Thanks to the mask-wearing and kindness of Auckland residents, it helped to curb the recent spread," and added, "I am confident that the new measures have helped suppress the increase of COVID-19 across New Zealand."

Prime Minister Ardern said, "We know what to do, and I hope everyone follows and helps well," and added, "If everyone follows the quarantine guidelines and rules well, we can succeed."

With this measure, the lockdown imposed in the Auckland area of New Zealand has been partially lifted, and the ban on attending school has also been lifted. However, a Level 2 measure has been imposed throughout New Zealand, including Auckland, so social distancing and other measures must be maintained.

In New Zealand, with a population of about 5 million, 9 new confirmed cases were reported on the 31st. So far, New Zealand has recorded 1,387 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 22 have died.

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