Seeing as the current general discussion thread is getting very long, will add to this one again instead.
Our headlines have been replaced somewhat by political news, leadership coup of opposition on Friday 22 May and the first few days hearing of said new leader, NZ general elections are coming up in September.
PM has been focussed on job in hand re Covid19 and we gather that is reported globally with our optimistic success at suppressing the virus and no signs of community spread, so cautious easing of restrictions. We're reminded regularly of the virus having a 'long tail' which relates with our last confirmed case nearly a week ago associated with a cluster who was isolating though having previously tested negative weeks earlier. Now a case from the Ruby Princess some weeks on also, a couple of our earlier cases stemmed from the cruise ship too.
Australia has had similar numbers to us, taking into account population size, and there is talk of a Trans-Tasman bubble in the not too distant future. We are being encouraged to make use of our travel industry within the country now that we've been able to move around more for a couple of weeks, Queen's birthday weekend coming up and many will be looking forward to catching up with family and friends or recreation away from home. Australian state borders still closed though I believe, heard their PM mention possibility of getting to NZ before another state! ... it'll be a while I expect as we get our own borders virus-tight.
Other Pacific nations may be interested in joining a bubble, Fiji would be keen to for their tourism industry as well. Samoa has been particularly worried and cautious having had a measles outbreak and loss of life last year, so far avoided Covid19 but concerned at having international fishing boats in the waters and infected seamen reportedly on board and not wanting them ashore.
I expect most of us here are keen to hear the daily updates and fingers crossed we'll have another day of zero new cases, I certainly am! When 4 old cases of returning travellers were added to our total that were previously in Uraguay numbers it made the total jump more than it had done for a while. Currently at 1,504, confirmed cases 1,154, probable cases 350 recovered 1,462, active cases are 21 and our death total is 21, none in hospital as from today.
We're on 'level 2' restrictions now, as from 11.59pm Wednesday 13th May with first stage allowing more back at work if they couldn't work from home, shops allowed to open, hairdressers etc and cafes and restaurants with seating and serving guidelines.
Pubs and bars had to wait another week so they've now had their first weekend open, limited to 100 patrons and distancing guidelines.
Schools were allowed back Monday 18th May, numbers gradually increasing with some choosing to hold back.
Gatherings of 10 people maximum but some exemption for funeral numbers to 50 on application, that is being increased as from Friday 29th May to 100 people maximum for all gatherings and again under the Covid guidelines.
Adjustments and review at 2 week intervals seems to be the plan, with a date of 22 June in mind for next level
Know there is call from many to open up sooner, mostly though accepting the wisdom of decisions made for us. (
I don't always read the hater and nasty comments but there are plenty on forums etc ... always some who could do it better
yeah right )