There’s no denying that the global coronavirus pandemic is a stressful time filled with uncertainty, especially if you’re a country that’s headed for a period of isolation, the fear of the unknown can be daunting.
On March 25 at 11.59 pm, New Zealand went into full lockdown after it was declared a state of national emergency.
This means that from midnight on Wednesday, everyone in our neighbouring country, except those deemed to work in essential services, will be required to stay at home for four weeks. While people are still able to venture outside for exercise or to walk their dog, household members must observe a two-metre distance from anyone else to curb the spread of COVID-19.
A few hours before these new restrictions took place, the people’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, took to her Facebook page to ensure that the people of New Zealand were doing OK.
Dressed in her comfies, the 39-year-old said: “I thought that I would just jump online quickly and just check in with everyone really as we all prepare to hunker down for a few weeks.”
She then went on to talk about the alert message (“the blast of the horn on your phone”) that New Zealand received about the rules and regulations of the lockdown with “messages that we were really keen for people to stick to…as we join together in the fight against COVID-19”.
Ardern also revealed that she had asked if the Civil Defence Force could change the alert tone so that it wasn’t “so alarming”, however, they were unable to.
The 39-year-old then went on to reiterate what to do when you are out about and even discussed at length who “essential services” are.
Throughout the live, Ardern addressed questions people were asking her, even calling them out by name.
The NZ public were thrilled with the way she addressed the nation, and the way she’s guiding her country through this pandemic.
“You are doing an amazing job!” one user commented. “I work for one of your ministers and the work I’ve been involved in is awesome. So proud to work for you and the Government.”
While another said: “Thank you for the being theeeee best example as a prime minister for others to lead by! [Sic] We can’t be more grateful for your expertise, love and care. But most of all a big nga mihi to your whanau, your husband, your baby for letting you do what you do best!”
If you’re concerned about what a lockdown could mean for us here in Australia, this video may help in putting your mind at ease.
WATCH: The full address from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern