New Zealand will be moving to alert level 2 in several stages starting with this Thursday 14 May, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern highlighting that as of today, only 90 New Zealanders are now suffering with Covid-19.
There are no new deaths.
In making the decision to move to level 2, Cabinet members would have looked at the most up-to-date evidence, advice from Dr Bloomfield and other experts, and weighed all aspects of the country's Covid-19 response against its effects on the economy, businesses and workers.
Bloomfield said the public would be able to resume visiting people in hospital under level 2.
In high-risk areas, including emergency departments, intensive care and maternity wards, there can only be one visitor at a time, and one visit per day.
An updated Section 70 order had been issued allowing people to enter businesses to prepare for level 2, he said.
The lockdown was first eased two weeks ago, allowing food takeaways and resumption of some recreational activities, but the freedoms granted by the latest relaxation will be far greater.
Establishments must ensure no more than 10 people per booking.
Multiple groups could separately pay their respects at a tangi and this would fit within the guidelines.
"We may have won a few battles, but we have not won the war", the prime minister said.
She added that for any business to open their doors again, there will be a period where people might feel uncomfortable.
People who could not make it to weddings, funerals or even visit loved ones had also called on the government to ease curbs sooner.
"We know this is causing pain but we've equally tried to been consistent".
Another person said: 'Are they legalising cannabis with this announcement?
Ms Ardern made the gaffe during Monday's announcement that New Zealand's lockdown laws would be lifted to level two on Thursday.
The scheme went live last night and applications can be taken today.
He also paid tribute to our frontline nurses on International Day of the Nurse, part of International Year of the Nurse and International Year of the Midwife.
More than 80 per cent of tourism operators had accessed the wage subsidy and Ardern said there would be more support for the sector in the Budget on Thursday.
"We know that numerous operators previously dependent on worldwide tourism will be assessing their options and looking at other ways to grow their businesses".
"We are celebrating our nurses now more than ever". They can't open for another 10 days, and if you're thinking of having a party at home - only 10 people.
Dr Dougal Sutherland, a clinical psychologist at Victoria University of Wellington, said for many, fears of catching the virus may flare up with the loosened restrictions, while others may feel they have become rusty when it comes to basic social skills such as friendships, dating and interacting with colleagues.
