Jacinda Ardern Says New Zealand Pubs Can Reopen In 10 Days

New Zealand will move to Level Two as the country continues to see a drop in the number of coronavirus cases across the country.

There are just 90 active cases at the moment, with nearly 1,400 people having recovered from the virus.

As a result, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has declared that some aspects of life can start to return to normal (albeit with a few restrictions here and there).

The big news is that bars and pubs will be allowed to open in 10 days.

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Malls, cafes and restaurants will reopen their doors this Thursday and children will be able to go back to school on Monday next week.

Public gatherings will be still limited to 10 people for the next two weeks and a review will be conducted after that time to see whether it can be expanded.

Ms Ardern has praised her citizens for sticking through an incredibly difficult time.

"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," she said.

"You created a wall that meant the virus couldn't reach those people it could easily take.

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"Getting to this position early has saved jobs and businesses, but there is a long, long road to full recovery.

"The upshot is that in 10 days' time we will have reopened most businesses in New Zealand, and sooner than many other countries around the world."

Ms Ardern noted that her government is a little concerned about reopening pubs and bars because South Korea allowed those establishments to welcome customers again and the country has experienced a fresh outbreak of cases.

She added that for any business to open their doors again, there will be a period where people might feel uncomfortable.

People social distancing in Wellington.

"There does have to be a new normal," she said. "We will be breaking out of our bubbles. We will be around more people.

"Keep it small, keep your distance, and be kind. Please be vigilant at level 2."

Kiwis will also rejoice at the idea that professional rugby and netball are permitted to return.

The country was in one of the harshest lockdowns in the world and it appears to have worked, with less than 1,500 people being infected across the whole country.

All eyes will be on whether cases spike when Stage Two comes into effect.

Topics: News, Coronavirus

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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