The country will be moving down to Alert Level 1 at 11.59pm tonight, with Auckland moving to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm on Wednesday. Jacinda Ardern said that the collective actions of Kiwis have helped control the spread of the virus.
Auckland's Level 2 restrictions will be in place for 14 days, cabinet will then review the settings. October 7 could be the next move down for the region.
Face coverings on public transport are still required in level 2, and on planes when travelling to, from or through Auckland. The rest of the country is still encouraged to wear masks, but it is not required when travelling.
Ardern assured that the Level 1 freedoms from tonight will be for as long as possible but a full return to normal will rely on a COVID-19 vaccine.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has welcomed the move to Alert Level 2.
“The shift to Level 2 is encouraging and reflects the hard work of Aucklanders to contain the latest outbreak of COVID-19,” he said.
“However, COVID-19 is highly transmissible, and we need to remain alert. Please continue to follow all the health guidelines, so that we can join the rest of the country at Level 1 as quickly as possible. If we keep doing what works it will help us return to Level 1 sooner, with the welcome boost to the economy and extra freedoms that entails.”
