Coronavirus World: What were New Zealand’s lockdown rules and what is the country’s population?

The country is easing its lockdown measures.

As the UK enters its fifth week in lockdown, various other countries across the world have started to ease their restrictions, following a reduction in cases of coronavirus.

Among those countries is New Zealand, whose prime minister, Jacinda Ardern announced lockdown will be relaxed from this evening.

‘There is no widespread, undetected community transmission in New Zealand,’ Ms Ardern stated.

‘We have won that battle.’

So, what lockdown measures were previously in place, how many cases did the country have and what is the size of its population?

Read the latest updates: Coronavirus news live

What is the population of New Zealand?

The estimated population, according to the country’s official data agency, Stats NZ, is 4.95 million.

For perspective, the population of London is estimated at around 8.9 million and the UK population is around 67 million.

New Zealand is far less densely populated than the UK, as the country spans approximately 103,500 square miles, compared to the UK’s area of 94,000 square miles.

What were the lockdown measures in New Zealand – is it out of lockdown?

New Zealand went into lockdown on Wednesday 25 March, with people told to self-isolate, and only leave their homes if they are providing an essential service, or need to use one, for example, going to the doctors or going grocery shopping.

A small intake of exercise was also permitted.

Similar to the UK, all non-essential shops closed, with supermarkets, doctors, service stations and pharmacies staying open.

Schools closed, and people were told to stay within their ‘bubble’ – ie, those they live with.

People were told to adhere to social distancing measures outside of their homes, maintaining a two-metre distance between themselves and other people.

The country also closed its borders, enforcing all new arrivals in the country to go into quarantine.

From Tuesday, the country will move into level three lockdown, meaning retailers, restaurants and health and education services can open.

Schools will reopen this week for children up to Year 10 who cannot study from home, or whose parents are required to go back to work.

Ms Ardern warned people must not become complacent, saying: ‘We are opening up the economy, but we’re not opening up people’s social lives.’

How many cases of coronavirus are there in New Zealand?

At time of writing, New Zealand has reported fewer than 1,500 cases of coronavirus and 19 deaths.

The UK has 154,037 cases and 20,795 lives have been lost to Covid-19.

MORE: Coronavirus UK: What are the possible exit strategies for UK lockdown?

MORE: Piers Morgan shades Dan Walker’s BBC Breakfast coronavirus coverage: ‘If you don’t like holding the government to account, watch them’

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Share your views in the comments below.