New Zealand begins phased exit from coronavirus lockdown with 'social bubble' approach

People headed to the beach and fast food outlets after New Zealand lifted its strict lockdown rules that were put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The country reported just five new cases on Monday and, at midnight, certain businesses such as construction and take-away outlets were allowed to reopen.

After spending a month in lockdown, the country moved from Covid-19 alert level-4 to level-3, which limits people to local travel and keeps malls, pubs and hairdressers closed.

New Zealanders were also told to keep their "social bubble" as small as possible.

Strict social distancing rules are still in force as people are encouraged not to congregate in large groups, but that didn't stop people from enjoying the country's beaches.

Back to school: Schools will reopen from Wednesday for children up to Year 10 who can not study from home, or whose parents need to return to work
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Long queues were seen outside McDonalds outlets in Auckland and Wellington from the early hours.

Some shopkeepers found creative ways to serve their customers while keeping a two metre distance.

Local coffee shop Zoom Expresso was pictured sliding coffees to its customers with a clever wooden mechanism. Many applauded his "ingenuity" for finding a safe way to operate.

Many took to social media to share pictures of long queues outside popular outlets such as KFC and Maccas.

Tai Perez and three friends told the NZ Herald that he arrived at McDonald's in Māngere at 4am to get ahead of the long queues.

He said: "We just wanted a munch, aye - so we broke the bubble and went to eat."

The group said they spent $100 between them. Mr Perez added: "We got quarter pounders, Big Macs, drinks. I've still got two cheeseburgers left but I can't finish them."

Cars line up at a McDonald's drive-through as New Zealand eases strict lockdown regulations
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New Zealand's Government website describes the "social bubble" as a person's household but, under alert level-3, the bubble can be expanded to close relatives and local friends.

The guidelines state: "People must stay within their household bubble but can expand this to reconnect with close family, or bring in caregivers, or support isolated people.

"It’s important to protect your bubble if you extend it. Keep your bubble exclusive and only include people where it will keep you and them safe and well.

Swimmers enter the water for the first time in a month as New Zealand lifts its lockdown
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"If anyone within your bubble feels unwell, they should self-isolate from everyone else within your bubble."

Speaking at Monday's press briefing, Ms Ardern said: "There is no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand. We have won that battle."

But the director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said the country hadn't "eliminated or eradicated" the virus, adding that New Zealanders needed to remain "vigilant".

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