Thousands of Businesses Reopened
New Zealand recently announced it has eased the coronavirus lockdown and as a result, thousands of businesses have reopened. Barber shops, retail stores, shopping centres, restaurants are allowed to reopen with many people returning to their workplace. However, most gatherings will be limited to 10 people and social distancing guidelines will remain in place under the country’s level two restrictions.
The owner of Cathedral Junction Barbers, Mr. Conrad Fitz-Gerald said he received about 50 enquiries about midnight haircuts, but he limited the initial customers to a dozen, starting with his 18 year old son. “People are saying their hair is out of control, they can’t handle it anymore. Lots of parents of teenage kids have been calling up too, thinking a haircut at midnight would be a great novelty. We are trying to make sure the virus doesn’t spread in our shop by using supercharged hand sanitizer and masks,” further added.
No New cases in New Zealand
The move of easing the lockdown came as the country reported no new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday and Wednesday. 1411 out of 1497 people who were affected with coronavirus have been recovered, while 21 have died. Most of the schools in the country will reopen on Monday. However, the bars will not open until May 21 as South Korea saw a surge in cases due to the open nightclubs in Seoul.
The reopening of the country coincides with the release of the government’s annual budget. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the southern hemisphere nation faces the most challenging economic conditions since the Great Depression. “New Zealand is about to enter a very tough winter. But every winter is eventually followed by a spring, and if we make the right choices, we can get New Zealanders back to work and our economy moving quickly again.” She further added.
