New Zealand could allow gatherings of 100 people from next week as Jacinda Ardern prepares to ease restrictions

Prime minister says country is 'halfway down Everest'

New Zealand may ease its coronavirus restrictions next week, allowing gatherings of up to 100 people to take place.

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s prime minister, said on Thursday that her government is thinking of downgrading the country’s Covid-19 alert level from three to two.

With a decision set to be made on Monday, New Zealanders may be able to meet up en masse by the middle of next week.

Speaking about what level two would entail, Ms Ardern said that indoor and outdoor gatherings up to a maximum of 100 people would be permitted, including weddings and funerals.

“You no longer need to stick to your bubble. You can begin seeing family and friends again,” she said.

Playgrounds, gyms, pools and public courts would be allowed to open in line with public health guidance, and professional sports matches would take place behind closed doors.

Under the proposals, bars, restaurants and schools would reopen, and workers would be able to return to their offices.

However, social distancing and personal protective equipment will still be widespread in level two. Patrons will need to sit two metres apart outside and hairdressers and other workers will be required to wear PPE.

The prime minister said: "We think of ourselves as halfway down Everest. I think it's clear that no one wants to hike back up that peak."

On Monday, New Zealand’s health ministry reported that in the preceding 24 hours the country had not had any new Covid-19 cases for the first time since lockdown started.

This came after the country reduced its lockdown alert from level four to level three last week.

On Tuesday, Ms Ardern became the first world leader in more than 60 years to participate in an Australian Cabinet meeting, appearing via video link.

After the meeting, she and Scott Morrison, her Australian counterpart, announced that they would be working towards a travel bubble between their countries.

Although they did not specify when travellers would be able to cross the Tasman sea, the leaders indicated that this would happen long before their borders were opened up to other countries.