It was announced on Monday afternoon by Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern that restrictions in Auckland will ease slightly, with the super-city moving to alert level 3, step 2, effective from Wednesday 10th November.
Under phase 2 of level 3, Aucklanders can enjoy outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, and there is no limit on the number of bubbles that can meet up. Public facilities such as malls, retail stores and zoos will be able to open. Venues such as movie theatres, gyms, and hospitality venues will remain closed.
Ardern announced that Cabinet is likely to end the level 3 lockdown and move Auckland into the new Covid-19 Protection Framework, better known as “the traffic light system”, from November 29.
The PM said the reason for step 2 is a recognition of high vaccination rates in Auckland. She said that this is a “substantial part of our consideration now” and is “easing into our reopening”.
It was confirmed that the Waikato alert levels will be considered by the cabinet next week. The Far North area of the northland region that is currently in level 3 will move back to level 2 at 11:59 pm on Thursday.
On Monday there were 190 cases of covid-19 in the community and 81 cases were in hospital.
