New Zealand to begin move to Covid-19 Level 2 from Thursday but war is not won, PM warns

Brian from New Lynn

Level 2 timeline:
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- Thursday May 14: Level 2 partially begins, retail opens
- Monday May 17: Schools, tertiary institutions and ECEs can open
- Thursday May 21: Bars can open.
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Jacinda Ardern said Cabinet agreed New Zealand was ready to move into Level 2 in order "to open up the economy but to do it as safely". On Thursday May 14, retail, malls, cafes and restaurants, cinemas and other public places can open. "You can begin to move around New Zealand," Ms Ardern said. Schools will be able to open on Monday, May 17. On Thursday May 21, bars will be able to open. Bookings will be limited to less than 10 people, as are parties. "Don't let your gatherings go over 10," Ms Ardern said. Level 2 will be reviewed in two weeks. Ms Ardern acknowledged the sacrifices the country had made over the last six-and-a-half weeks over the lockdown period. "But for all of that, Kiwis of all walks of life were resolute and determined, determined that this was a war we could eventually win but only if we acted together." "You created a wall that meant the virus couldn't reach those people it could easily take." She said Covid-19 cases had remained low as did the infection number of those with Covid-19. "If you get a sniffle or a sore throat, get a test quickly." "Please don't be a stoic Kiwi." Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said Level 2 from Thursday allowed a "far greater personal freedoms than under previous Alert Level settings". PM outlines Level 2 rules - 'You'll no longer need to stick to your bubble'. Last Thursday, Ms Ardern outlined the conditions of Alert Level 2. Level 2 meant most businesses can restart, bubbles can cease, domestic travel can start again and schools, tertiary institutions and early learning centres can completely reopen. Gatherings both indoors and outdoors will be limited to 100 people, home gatherings still must be kept small and hospitality establishments must require customers to be seated, separated and served by one person. Today is just under two weeks since the country moved from Alert Level 4 to 3. The country spent more than a month under strict Level 4 lockdown conditions.
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