Week That Was: Preparing for Alert Level Three
As we head into ANZAC weekend, we are also heading into the final weekend of Alert Level 4 lockdown.
ANZAC Day is, of course, a time to reflect and acknowledge the sacrifice of our fallen ANZAC soldiers. It's also a time to stay vigilant and keep relying on each other to finish the job of eliminating COVID-19. The extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of New Zealanders have meant we are able to transition into Alert Level 3, allowing us to begin rebooting our economy.
As we make this transition, we'll be keeping you informed and up-to-date, each and every step of the way. Here’s a short wrap of the week that’s just gone.
Monday
At the beginning of the week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Cabinet's decision to move New Zealand to Alert Level 3, as of 11.59pm on Monday 27th of April.
Alert Level 3 is the next phase of our response to COVID-19 and is about keeping on top of the virus, while allowing our economy to begin rebooting. Socially, it will be very similar to Level 4, while enabling businesses to begin operating again under certain conditions. If you are not at work, school, exercising, or getting essentials then you must be at home - the same as at Alert Level 4.
We’re able to move down to Level 3 thanks to everyone following the rules, staying home and saving lives.
Alert Level 3 will still require us to work together as a team of five million. Staying home and avoiding contact with those outside of our bubble remains our best defence against COVID-19, and ensures we don’t waste the opportunity we have to keep on top of the virus.
#LIVE Jacinda Ardern speaks at this week's post-Cabinet press conference
Posted by Jacinda Ardern on Sunday, April 19, 2020
Tuesday
Tuesday's update was held by Education Minister Chris Hipkins, joining Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield. Minister Hipkins provided further information on what education will look like from next Tuesday.
Under Alert Level 3, most students will continue to engage in distance learning from home. However, there will be a partial reopening of on-site education. Early childhood centres and schools will be available up to and including Year 10. Click here for further information, or watch the live update below.
#LIVE Update on COVID-19 response
Posted by Chris Hipkins MP on Monday, April 20, 2020
Wednesday
The Prime Minister used Wednesday's update to reiterate the Government's support for small- and medium-sized businesses. She also urged New Zealanders to continue to follow the rules while we remain at Alert Level 4: "We must not risk the gains that we have made, or that many New Zealanders have made sacrifices for, over the last four weeks."
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to thank our essential workers, especially cleaners, many of whom will be returning this week to get contactless businesses ready to open in Alert Level 3.
#LIVE Update on the COVID-19 response: ➡️ Dr Ashley Bloomfield confirmed 6 new COVID-19 cases, and sadly 1 death. ➡️Residents and citizens returning to New Zealand will still be quarantined upon arrival in Alert Level 3. ➡️I said thanks to our essential workers, especially cleaners, many of whom will be returning this week to get contactless businesses ready to open in Alert Level 3. ➡️I reiterated the Government's support for small and medium-sized businesses.
Posted by Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Thursday
On Thursday, the Prime Minister shared that she will be one of many New Zealanders participating at Stand At Dawn at 6am on ANZAC day. Stand At Dawn encourages New Zealanders to stand at their letterboxes, on their balconies, or in their driveways, to take a moment to remember our fallen – while staying within their bubble.
Earlier in the day, Minister for Broadcasting and Communications Hon Kris Faafoi announced a significant support package for the media industry.
A quick summary of today’s press conference ➡️ Dr Ashley Bloomfield confirmed 3 new cases, and sadly 2 more deaths as a result of COVID-19. ➡️ I outlined hunting restrictions for Alert Level 3. ➡️ I also shared that on ANZAC day this Saturday at 6am I will be taking part in the #StandAtDawn initiative for ANZAC Day, why don’t you join me? More details are at www.standatdawn.com
Posted by Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Friday
The Finance Minister joined Dr. Caroline McElnay on Friday to give a summary of the Government's economic plan to recover from COVID-19.
We have known from the beginning that the best economic response is a strong health response, and that is why we went hard and went early with a strong public health response to get the virus under control.
We put in place a safety net for as many Kiwis as possible, with measures such as the Wage Subsidy scheme, which is currently supporting over 1.6 million New Zealanders.
Now, as we transition into the second stage of our economic response, we'll see more parts of the economy open up and resume activity with the appropriate health and safety measures in place. Watch the clip below for more detail.
#LIVE: Update on COVID-19 response
Posted by Grant Robertson on Thursday, April 23, 2020
As we head into the final weekend of lockdown, we must continue to follow the rules and play our part in stopping the spread of the virus by staying home, breaking the chain, and saving lives.
Look out for the next edition in this series on Friday.
As at Friday 1pm, New Zealand reported 1,456 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, with 1,095 people now classified as recovered. We have 8 people in hospital and one in intensive care. We have currently have 17 recorded deaths from COVID-19 in New Zealand.
The total number of tests done to date is 108,238.
We're committed to keeping New Zealanders safe and well-informed every step of the way. We'll continue to share updates and developments of the Government's response to COVID-19.
Visit covid19.govt.nz for the latest information on COVID-19, including the alert levels, health, travel, education, business, and community issues.
Head here for information on our Government's economic response – including wage subsidies, rent increase freezes, and mortgage deferrals.