Coronavirus: New Zealand will move to alert level 1 from midnight tonight

Publish Date
Monday, 8 June 2020, 3:10PM

The Prime Minister has just announced New Zealand will move to alert level 1 from midnight tonight.

Under alert level 1 there will still be strict controls on the border, but all current rules and restrictions on businesses and services will be "essentially lifted", Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said.

Physical distancing measures will be "encouraged" rather than required under alert level 1 and gatherings of any size will be able to take place.

However, people must still adhere to public health measures such as hand washing, staying at home if sick and getting tested for Covid-19 if they show any cold or flu symptoms.

New Zealand has been in alert level 2 for 26 days, following 14 days in alert level 3 and 33 days in alert level 4.

The announcement has come just hours after health officials confirmed that the country now has no active Covid-19 cases.

The news came 101 days since the country's first virus diagnosis on February 28.

Covid went on to claim 22 lives.

For more information visit covid19.govt.nz.

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Jacinda Ardern's 10 "golden rules" for life at Level 1.

  1. If you're sick, stay home.
  2. If you have cold or flu symptoms call your doctor.
  3. Wash your hands.
  4. Sneeze or cough into your elbow and disinfect surfaces.
  5. Isolate immediately if told to by authorities.
  6. If you have underlying conditions, talk with your GP about precautions.
  7. Keep track of where you've been.
  8. Businesses should help.
  9. Stay vigilant.
  10. Be kind to others and to yourself.

What will life at Alert Level 1 look like?

Alert level 1 is when Covid-19 is contained and New Zealand is prepared for an outbreak.

Restrictions under alert level 1 include:

  • Border entry measures to minimise risk of importing COVID-19 cases.
  • Intensive testing for COVID-19.
  • Rapid contact tracing of any positive case.
  • Self-isolation and quarantine required.
  • Schools and workplaces open, and must operate safely.
  • Physical distancing encouraged.
  • No restrictions on gatherings.
  • Stay home if you're sick, report flu-like symptoms.
  • Wash and dry hands, cough into elbow, don't touch your face.
  • No restrictions on domestic transport – avoid public transport or travel if sick.

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