On May 4th, one week after moving from Level 4 lockdown to Level 3, New Zealand recorded zero new cases of COVID-19 for the first time since March 16th!
This brings the total number of cases in New Zealand to 1,487, with 20 deaths.
▶ Milestone hit as NZ records zero new cases of Covid-19 in a day
Dr. Ashley Bloomfield announces zero new cases
▶Coronavirus Covid 19: Zero new cases today – Ashley Bloomfield (Ashley Bloomfield announces zero new cases) *Link is now broken
Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, Director General of the Ministry of Health, who has held all COVID-19-related press conferences since January 27, said in a May 4 press conference:
"We want to maintain zero new cases of COVID-19 infections."
announced.
"This is good news, but it doesn't mean we can let our guard down. We'll know later this week whether there are any cases after we move to Level 3. Let's not let our guard down now."
He called on people to remain vigilant and follow Level 3 rules so that the lockdown efforts made so far are not in vain.
During the Level 4 lockdown, Bloomfield met with Prime Minister Ardern at 1 pm every day to report on the latest information on the new coronavirus. Like the Prime Minister, Bloomfield has earned the trust of the people.
One person even wrote a song dedicated to Bloomfield, saying, "I'm in lockdown but it's not so bad 'cause I get to see him every day at 1 o'clock."
This is Dr. Ashley Bloomfield.
When will it be lowered to Level 2?
▶ Coronavirus: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says we'll get 48 hours notice for level 3 end
The alert level has been lowered from Level 4 to Level 3, and although some businesses, such as restaurants offering takeout and delivery services, have resumed work and more people are returning to work, the situation remains essentially the same as at Level 4. People are eagerly awaiting the level to be lowered to Level 2.
Prime Minister Ardern responded to the results of zero new cases
"This achievement is the result of our efforts during the (Level 4) lockdown, not the Level 3 lockdown. "
He said.
"We must not let our guard down now. Let's not let our bubbles (the limited number of people we interact with on a daily basis) spread, and let's see this through to the end."
The first weekend since the Level 3 level was lifted saw a clear increase in the number of people in public places, so it seems necessary to be vigilant.
The government is due to decide on May 11 whether to lower the alert level from Level 3 to Level 2. If a decision is made, it will be announced 48 hours before switching to Level 2.
Seabirds eagerly awaiting the end of Level 3
News is coming in from all over the world that as a result of lockdowns and self-restraint measures imposed due to the coronavirus, air pollution has improved and wild animals are expanding their ranges.
▶ In New Zealand, birds enjoy silence during lockdown
However, there are some birds in New Zealand who are eagerly awaiting the end of Level 3.
▶ Covid 19 coronavirus: Fears for New Zealand's endangered native seabirds during lockdown
New Zealand was originally a paradise for birds, but with the arrival of humans, the number of mammals that are enemies of the birds has increased. Therefore, the birds need the help of people who can capture these enemy mammals.
However, during the lockdown, bird protection projects, such as setting traps for mammalian enemies of the birds, were put on hold.
Most of New Zealand's endemic birds had finished breeding and raising their young before the lockdown, which is when they are at greatest risk. However, New Zealand's seabirds, such as black petrels called tāiko and takoketai, are in the middle of their raising their young during this period from Level 4 to Level 3. These seabirds are particularly at risk.
Black petrels were once found throughout the North Island, but their numbers have declined due to feral cats, pigs and rats, and they can now only be found breeding in a few areas, such as Little Barrier Island.
They are relatively safe inside the nest, but at this time of year, seabird chicks leave the nest at night, flapping their wings and preparing to leave the nest. They are apparently targeted by stray cats and other animals who are well aware of the chicks' habits.
Environmentalists are concerned that the chicks could be attacked by feral cats and other predators, drastically reducing their numbers.
Although the alert has been lowered to Level 3 and some mammal capture operations have resumed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is still unable to carry out sufficient activities, and is waiting for the alert level to be lowered, along with the seabirds.
