New Zealand to begin lifting virus restrictions

All remaining virus restrictions will be lifted across much of New Zealand from late Monday with exception of largest city, Auckland, which will continue to have some restrictions for at least ar 16 days.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern me anuncement Monday after meeting with top lawmakers. nation of 5 million people reimposed some restrictions last month after Auckland outbreak, which w appears to be under control.

Under plan, maximum garing sizes in Auckland will be increased from 10 to 100 on Wednesday and n caps removed two weeks after that.

“Auckland needs more time,” Ardern told reporters in city. “Whilst we have reasonable confidence we are on right track, re is still a need in Auckland for that cautious approach.”

Health authorities reported new cases on Monday. number of active COVID-19 cases is 62, with 33 of those from community spre and 29 among quarantined returning travelers.

In or developments in Asia-Pacific region:

— India recorded nearly 87,000 new cases in past 24 hours. Health Ministry also Monday reported 1,130 deaths in past 24 hours, taking total reported fatalities to 87,882. India w has over 5.4 million reported cases and nation of 1.3 billion people is expected to become pandemic’s worst-hit country within weeks, surpassing United States. India has eased lockdown measures to try to overcome severe ecomic impact. On Monday, 17th century white marble Taj Mahal reopens after a gap of six months for national and international tourists. Restrictions such as compulsory mask-wearing, rmal screening and physical distancing will be used.

— South Korea’s daily virus tally has stayed below 100 for a second consecutive day, maintaining a slowing trend in fresh infections. Korea Disease Control and Prevention ncy said Monday 70 new cases ded in past 24 hours took country’s total to 23,045 with 385 deaths. drop to double digits on Sunday was first in about 40 days. South Korea conducts fewer tests on weekends. But its recent virus resurgence has been on a downward trajectory amid strong social distancing rules since its daily tally surpassed 400 in late August.