After another day with no new COVID-19 cases, New Zealand society will take another step closer to pre-coronavirus life this week.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a further relaxing of restrictions introduced to stave off transmission of the virus.
As of Friday, a ban on groups of more than 10 will be replaced by a cap of 100, allowing larger weddings, funerals and religious services to take place.
These gatherings were banned completely during the strictest month of New Zealand's 51-day lockdown, which has been credited with near-eradication of the virus.
Just one new case has been found in the South Pacific nation in the last eight days amid widespread testing.
That is very good news and counter to what many countries have experienced as they loosen restrictions, with many having seen spikes in cases, Ms Ardern said.
"The increase in gathering size means we now have some of the most permissive settings of any of the countries we compare ourselves to, including Australia.
"Going hard and early has paid off. Now we just continue the level of vigilance that has got us here."
The new guidance means community sport is free to resume, following the green light flashed to professional sport earlier this month.
However, there are still some bans in place.
Large-scale concerts are effectively prohibited, as are dance floors at pubs and nightclubs, with all hospitality venues required to maintain an all-seated service regime.
Ms Ardern's Cabinet will consider further shifts in a fortnight.
Also on Monday, the New Zealand government announced a new $490-a-week tax-free payment to Kiwis who have lost jobs due to COVID-19.
This payment, which will run for 12 weeks, was immediately criticised as being more than existing job-seekers receive, and inaccessible to migrant workers.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.
