New Zealand lifts almost all pandemic restrictions
Life almost back to normal in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
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New Zealand has lifted almost all pandemic restrictions from midnight Wednesday, thanks to falling Covid-19 cases.
After seven days of no recorded new infections, people are now free to go about their lives as before.
The only exception is in the country’s biggest city, Auckland, where face masks are still required on public transport.
The virus briefly reappeared in August, in an Auckland cluster which caused authorities to put the city back into lockdown.
Most of the country, including its capital, Wellington, recorded no new cases.
The government says face coverings aren’t necessary for the general public when there is no evidence of community transmission.
Passengers on planes flying in or out of Auckland, as well on all Air New Zealand flights, are still required to wear masks.
This means life will return to normal for almost everyone, says the BBC.
There will be no more social distancing or caps on gatherings such as weddings, funerals or sporting events. Everyone can return to work without restriction.
New Zealand has been praised for its swift and effective response to Covid-19.
The country has recorded a total of 1,468 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 25 deaths.
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