News
The Prime Minister will address the media at 4pm, following today’s Cabinet meeting.
The government is announcing its decision on whether to reduce restrictions by moving to Covid-19 alert level 2, or stay in alert level 3 longer.
Latest from the update:
- On Thursday this week, retail, cafes, malls, theatres can reopening, with physical distancing.
- On Monday 18 May, all children will be able to return to school or early learning.
- On Thursday 21 of May, bars can open. Bars have been left until last because they have significant risks.
- In ten days time, we will have reopened most businesses in NZ, the PM says.
- “There does have to be a new normal, and that normal means breaking out of our bubbles”
- All gatherings are limited to 10 for now. Weddings, funerals, stag dos, all at ten for now.
- Why ten? If something goes wrong with a group of ten, it is much easier to contain and contact trace, Ardern says.
- “This is a transition out of our bubbles where you can see people you haven’t seen in a while”
- “I know that many NZers are looking forward to catching up with friends and family, and this Thursday, you can. “Go and see your mum, just don’t turn it into a massive family gathering while you’re at it”
- “If our numbers continue to look good, we will begin to grow those numbers [of social gatherings]”
- “None of us can assume Covid isn’t with us,” she says.
- “At level two we are out and about again. Almost all parts of our economy will reopen.”
- “Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands, and do it properly,” Ardern says.
- “There are risks ahead so please be vigilant at level 2”
- “There is a long road ahead for recovery, things are going to get more tough before they get better.”
- This year’s budget is called “Rebuilding Together”
- “We are in level 3 for just two more days. From Thursday, when you wake up, play it safe. Remember that wall of defence we built together as a team now rests with every one of us,” Ardern says.
- “Keep it small, keep your distance and be kind.”
- “Think about your role in the community, no one wants to go backwards so that’s on all of us.”
- Director-General of Dr Health Ashley Bloomfield said masks will not be required on public transport, however if you choose to use a mask that’s fine, just know how to use it safely. “It’s not a supply issue, it’s an evidence issue.”
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Dr Health Ashley Bloomfield are expected to speak about 4pm.
Speakers:
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield
We’ll have a live stream of the 4pm conference here.
(Video here)