Coronavirus: New Zealand holds nationwide teddy bear hunt to entertain children during lockdown

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has joined in on the initiative

People in New Zealand are taking part in a nationwide teddy bear hunt to help keep children entertained during the coronavirus lockdown.

The country, which has more than 600 confirmed cases of Covid-19, is currently in the midst of a lockdown, meaning residents are prohibited from leaving their homes unless for essential supplies, such as food and medicine, or to exercise outside.

To help ease the burden on families with small children during this time, thousands of people are taking part in a new initiative inspired by Michael Rosen's popular children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

The scheme aims to spread cheer during the month-long lockdown by asking households across the country to place teddy bear toys in their windows for children to spot while they are going for walks in their local neighbourhoods.

Even New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has got involved by placing a bear on her window ledge at Premier House, Wellington, where she is in lockdown with her fiancé, Clarke Gayford, and toddler, Neve.

Annelee Scott, who came up with the coronavirus bear hunt idea, set up a Facebook Group to get more people involved and give them a place to share photos.

“I'm sure most of you are familiar with the story Going on a Bear Hunt. Wouldn't it be totally fun-tastic if we could take our children on a real-life bear hunt?” Scott wrote on the Facebook page.

“All you have to do if you would like to participate is place a teddy bear in your front window - somewhere it can be seen by people walking passed your house.

“Don't worry if you don't have an actual teddy bear, maybe you could draw or paint one.”

The hunt has kept people self-isolating busy, with many coming up with creative window and garden displays for passers-by to enjoy.

The national quest has since turned into a tribute to Mr Rosen after his family revealed he had to spend the night in an intensive care unit.

The author’s wife, Emma-Louise, later updated fans on Mr Rosen’s Twitter account with a post that said he was “still poorly but continuing to improve”.

“He has been able to eat today & will be getting a more comfortable oxygen mask soon. All good signs,” she wrote.

“He does know you’ve all been rooting for him with this lovely wave of support. Thanks again, Emma x.”

It has not been disclosed whether Mr Rosen's condition is related to coronavirus.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among the well-wishers sending their support to Mr Rosen.

“Michael our dear friend. Get well quickly please and thank our NHS for caring for us all!” he wrote on Twitter.