It has been almost two weeks since the New Zealand government lowered its COVID-19 alert level to Level 2.
The number of infected people has been kept at three since the Level 2 announcement, and has been zero for the past three days. No new clusters have been reported.
Based on these results, it was announced that the number of infections during Level 3, a slightly relaxed lockdown from the strict Level 4, had almost dropped to zero. There were concerns because some countries were hit by a second wave of infections after the relaxation, but progress is going smoothly.
The New Zealand government intends to gradually ease Level 2 restrictions as the situation progresses.
Gatherings of up to 100 people are now possible
In light of the smooth progress after Level 2, the government decided at a cabinet meeting to allow gatherings of up to 100 people from noon on May 29th. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced this at a press conference on the 25th.
Until the start of Level 2, gatherings other than funerals were limited to 10 people (funerals were limited to 50), but now weddings and church gatherings will also be allowed.
As this decision was announced in advance, it is likely that more people will be planning parties on Friday nights, but the decision also took into consideration that many religious gatherings take place on Fridays.
However, because social distancing is mandatory, standing is prohibited, all gatherings must be seated, and dancing areas, which are common at weddings and parties, are not permitted.
Prime Minister Ardern said she would review the Level 2 situation again on June 8 and respond flexibly as the situation evolves.
"The move to Level 1 should be made as quickly and safely as possible."
They announced that if all goes well, a further downgrade to Level 1 will be considered on June 22nd.
A small incident occurred during the Prime Minister's press conference on the morning of the 25th.
New Zealand's success in containing the COVID-19 pandemic has been recognised worldwide, and Prime Minister Ardern, who is at the centre of it all, is constantly attracting media attention from around the world.
On the morning of the 25th, an earthquake occurred during a TV interview with Prime Minister Ardern.
*Currently broken link
The incident was soon covered by CNN in the United States.
→ 'Quite a decent shake here': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern interrupted by earthquake in TV interview
Prime Minister Ardern was in the Beehive, part of New Zealand's Parliament Building in Wellington, the capital, which is nicknamed the Beehive and houses the offices of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers.
Fortunately, the damage caused by the earthquake was not major, but Prime Minister Ardern said the Beehive shook more than other buildings.
On that day, what was posted on Prime Minister Ardern's Instagram was not about the coronavirus or the earthquake, but a letter addressed to her from a child. It was a typical post from Prime Minister Ardern, who is loved for her approach to the people.
I read the letters I received from children. This was the most adorable one: "This stone is special. It will protect me when I'm feeling anxious." I'm going to take this stone to my office right away!
