It's been almost two weeks since New Zealand went into lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This lockdown is quite strict. All businesses except those categorized as essential are shut down. All interactions with people not living in the same household are prohibited.
As of April 8, there are 1,210 positive cases in New Zealand (including 241 unconfirmed cases that are believed to be positive). Although the total number of infected people has been increasing for just under two weeks since the lockdown began on March 26, the number of daily infected people has remained almost flat, with a peak of 89 people and days when it was below 60 people, and has been declining over the past few days.
It has been said that the effects of the lockdown will not become clear until two weeks after it began, and it is predicted that if there had been no lockdown, the number of infected people would be three times higher than it is now, so it appears that the measures are generally progressing smoothly.
The best part is that the number of deaths has been limited to just one. It is still unclear whether this lockdown will last four weeks or whether it will be extended, but there is no doubt that we must remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, some heartwarming news is coming from New Zealand.
Easter is on April 12th. Where are the Easter bunnies this year?
The Christian holiday, Easter, is coming soon. Easter is a festival that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his death after being crucified, and is considered the most important festival in Christianity.
At Easter, eggs are decorated as a symbol of abundance. Originally, actual boiled eggs were used, but in recent years, egg-shaped chocolates have become the norm.
Like this, lots of egg-shaped chocolates line the shelves in stores before Easter.
It is said that these Easter eggs are brought by rabbits called Easter bunnies. Easter eggs are hidden in gardens and other places, and searching for them is called an Easter egg hunt, a tradition that children look forward to.
But this year, Easter falls on April 12th, right in the middle of the lockdown. What will happen?
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern personally responded to the concerns of these children at a regular press conference!
Certified as an essential occupation that can continue to operate during lockdown!
Easter Bunny 'essential worker', says PM
“You'll be pleased to know that we do consider both the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny to be essential workers, but as you can imagine at this time of course they are going to be potentially quite busy at home with their family as well and their own bunnies.
"Don't worry, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny are also considered essential workers. But in this situation, the rabbits may also be busy spending time at home with their families."
By the way, the Tooth Fairy mentioned in this message is a story often told to children in Western culture: "If you lose a tooth, put it under your pillow and sleep, and the Tooth Fairy will come and collect it for you."
“And so I say to the children of New Zealand if the Easter Bunny doesn't make it to your household, then we have to understand that it is a bit difficult at the moment for the Bunny to perhaps et everywhere.”
"So I want to say to all the children in New Zealand, if the bunnies don't come to you this year, please understand that it's a little difficult for them to get to different places at the moment."
This heartwarming message from Prime Minister Ardern was picked up and discussed not only in New Zealand, but also by major media outlets around the world, including the BBC, CNN, the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Prime Minister Ardern has a new proposal for Easter this year
"The Easter Bunny may not be able to deliver Easter eggs, so let's all get ready for an Easter egg hunt this year."
Prime Minister Ardern made this proposal to the nation:
The idea is for everyone to color Easter eggs and stick them in their windows so that children can have an Easter egg hunt when they go for walks around the neighborhood.
The Prime Minister immediately posted a picture of the Easter egg colouring book on his Instagram along with a message.
They are quickly being painted and shared with the hashtag #nzegghunt.
Since the start of the lockdown, teddy bears have been placed in windowsills all over New Zealand. Children are asked to find them, and this time they have been joined by illustrations of Easter eggs.
Kiwis are finding ways to have fun even amidst the tough lockdown. We sincerely hope that the lockdown will end in four weeks as scheduled.
