New Zealand begins lifting coronavirus restrictions

Wellington
September 21, 2020, 10:38 AM
by AP/UNB

UNB News
Wellington
Publish- September 21, 2020, 10:38 AM
AP/UNB
Update- September 21, 2020, 10:43 AM

New Zealand begins lifting coronavirus restrictions

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. AP File Photo

All remaining coronavirus restrictions will be lifted across much of New Zealand from late Monday except for Auckland, the largest city.

The country will continue to have some restrictions for at least another 16 days, reports AP.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement Monday after meeting with top lawmakers.

The nation of 5 million people reimposed some restrictions last month after the Auckland outbreak, which now appears to be under control.

Under the plan, maximum gathering sizes in Auckland will be increased from 10 to 100 on Wednesday and then caps removed two weeks after that.

“Auckland needs more time,” Ardern told reporters in the city. “Whilst we have reasonable confidence we are on the right track, there’s still a need in Auckland for that cautious approach.”

Health authorities reported no new cases on Monday. The number of active COVID-19 cases is 62, with 33 of those from community spread and 29 among quarantined returning travelers.