New Zealand: Citizens break lockdown in record numbers as restrictions ease

Amidst coronavirus pandemic, New Zealanders have been reportedly breaking lockdown in record numbers. According to reports, police in New Zealand have been busy over this past weekend trying to reign in citizens as y break lockdown in anticipation of an anuncement by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern regarding easing of coronavirus restrictions.

As per reports, PM Ardern is expected to anunce easing of restrictions in New Zealand after 7 weeks of one of strictest lockdown measures in world. severe lockdown measures have effectively confined New Zealanders to ir homes in an effort to curb spread of coronavirus.

According to reports, authorities reported that almost 50 people broke a Level 3 lockdown on May 10 in just a span of 24 hours. Among those that breached lockdown was a family that hosted a children’s birthday party and a church garing that took place in someone’s backyard. Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean reportedly told local media that capital city of Wellington was ‘like rush hour’.

Read: New Zealand Braces For Alert Level 2, Prepares To Resume Travel And 'reopen'

Read: Jacinda Ardern Calls New Zealand 'safe Haven' For Investment As COVID-19 Curve Flattens

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden-led island nation New Zealand has emerged as a model for countries grappling with coronavirus pandemic. With its 'eradication strategy', country took early action and kept restrictions in place till it was assured of end of community transmission. In less than two months, New Zealand is back on its feet, ready to reopen, start travel again and soon people will be able to give each or 'a quick hug'.

On May 4, country recorded zero new cases of coronavirus marking its first day without any infection since it went into lockdown in March. While anuncing same at a press briefing, PM Arden also cautioned citizens to continue to follow social distancing rms in order to avoid risk. She added that country's goal to eliminate virus completely is w 'within reach' and one wrong step could 'squander good work'.

Read: COVID-19: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern Says Open Borders 'for A Long Time'

Read: Explainer: How New Zealand's 'elimination Policy' Got COVID Cases Down To Zero In 6 Weeks

Coronavirus outbreak

After originating from China’s “wet markets”, coronavirus has w claimed over 280,451 lives worldwide as of May 10. According to tally by international news ncy, pandemic has w spread to 212 countries and has infected at least 4,101,975 people. Out of total infections, 1,441,873 have been recovered but easily spread virus is continuing to disrupt many lives. Major cities have been put under lockdown in almost all countries and ecomy is struggling.