Coronavirus: New Zealand to reopen shopping malls, cinemas and cafes from Thursday

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern thanks ‘team of five million’ ahead of relaxation of lockdown rules, but warns: ‘The battle is won, but the war is not over’

Jacinda Ardern speaking at press conference in Wellington, 11 May 2020 (AP)

New Zealand’s shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, cinemas and gyms are to reopen this Thursday after some of the tightest lockdown restrictions in the world to combat the spread of the coronavirus were further eased by prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

The Pacific nation leader announced the staggered move to “level 2” restrictions will mean retail outlets and public spaces – including playgrounds – can reopen from 14 May.

Schools can open from next Monday while clubs, pubs and bars can only reopen from 21 May, Ms Ardern said, explaining that gatherings in such spaces would be limited to 10 people.

“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,” she told a news conference – thanking her “team of five million” people across the nation for their sacrifice in recent weeks.

She added: “Kiwis from all walks of life were resolute and determined – determined that this was a war we could eventually win, but only if we acted together … The battle is won, but the war is not over.”

Weddings and funerals will also be permitted from Thursday, so long as gathering are kept at a maximum of 100 people, while people will be allowed to visit friends and family – and go on dates.

New Zealand was locked down for more than month under “level 4” restrictions that were eased down a notch in late April. Under level 2 requirements, businesses will still be required to have physical distancing and strict hygiene measures in place.

Air New Zealand announced it would resume seven more domestic routes when the country enters the level 2 stage. International travel, however, would not be possible as borders will remain closed except for returning New Zealanders.

The measures would be reviewed again in two weeks, Ms Ardern said. The government plans to introduce a new law that would allow authorities to enforce physical distancing and control gatherings of people after questions were raised about the legality of lockdown rules.

Three new cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, were confirmed on Monday, the health ministry said in a statement.

The cases – two hospital nurses and one related to overseas travel – bring New Zealand’s total confirmed coronavirus infections to 1,147, the ministry said, adding that 93 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases have recovered.

The government will unveil its annual budget on Thursday, and has warned the country would run fiscal deficits for years while debt will increase to levels well beyond previous targets due to its economic support measures.

Ms Ardern has been under pressure to ease the lockdown measures with the main opposition National Party saying they were kept on for too long, crippling several small businesses and hurting the economy.

Additional reporting by agencies