New Zealand Begins Lifting Coronavirus Restrictions

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

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

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

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

Under the plan, on Wednesday, maximum collection sizes in Auckland will be raised from 10 to 100 and then caps eliminated 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.”

On Monday, health authorities confirmed no new cases. The number of active cases of COVID-19 is 62, with 33 of those distributed from the population and 29 among returning travelers in quarantine.