Over the weekend, Auckland hit a major milestone when 90% of eligible Aucklanders, in all three DHB areas, had their first dose of the covid-19 vaccine in Auckland.
As a result of this milestone, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland will move to step 2 of Alert Level 3 on Wednesday. This means that museums, retail shops and libraries can finally open with rules remaining on social distancing and masks. Meanwhile, outdoor gatherings of up to 25 will be permitted. Unfortunately, gyms and other indoor facilities will remain closed.
Additionally, Ardern confirmed that Aucklanders will be permitted to leave Auckland over the summer months. This means that locals hoping for an escape, after endless weeks of lockdown, could get what they deserve. An announcement on how this will work is expected later this week.
Likewise, Aucklanders have been warned that the key to reopening the city is for Auckland to hit a 90% second vaccination rate. Wonderfully, all three DHB areas could potentially become fully vaccinated against coronavirus by the first week in December.
Ardern also expressed that regardless of the covid-19 situation in Auckland, Aucklanders will be allowed to visit their loved ones across the country at Christmas. Though, it is unclear on what approach will be taken to allow this to happen.