Happy scenes in Christchurch as the South Island moved into Level 3 lockdown and cafes and restaurants could open again. The government will announce this afternoon if an alert level shift is on the cards for areas outside of Auckland - and when it will take effect. At alert level 2, domestic air travel can begin to operate normally again. "So, we need to be mindful of that because often what comes with that level of responsibility is also additional costs." ‌A shift to an alert level 2.5 - and hopefully a return to school - would lighten the load for businesses and their staff, she said.

Source: New Zealand Herald September 05, 2021 18:22 UTC