Level 2 outside Auckland

Stuff reports:

All of New Zealand outside of Auckland will move to level 2 at midnight on Tuesday while Auckland will stay at level 4 until at least next Tuesday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said.

She also introduced face coverings and 2-metre physical distancing to level 2 restrictions for large indoor facilities like gyms and libraries. A 50-person cap was set for hospitality and event venues while outdoor spaces can have up to 100 people.

“We are making progress but there are some critical challenges ahead. We continue to see persistent cases connected to the outbreak,” Ardern said at the post-Cabinet announcement on Monday.

Let’s hope Auckland can follow next week, and the current fast rate of vaccination continues. If so, then hopefully this can be the last lockdown.