New Zealand lifts state of emergency as virus cases decrease

New Zealand on Wednesday lifted its state of national emergency, with the government citing the decreasing numbers of new COVID-19 cases.The move comes on the eve of New Zealand's progression to Alert Level 2 restrictions, down from a monthlong national lockdown at Alert Level 4, which began in late March.Under the eased restrictions, spaces including restaurants, cinemas, playgrounds and gyms can reopen from Thursday, with schools restarting Monday and bars from May 21."This move does not signal that New Zealanders should stop being vigilant in protecting themselves and others from the vir…READ FULL ARTICLE