In New Zealand, parties, big hugs mark start of 'COVID-free' life

New Zealanders hugged and kissed, shopped, and planned parties on Tuesday as the country took off all coronavirus restrictions for the first time in more than three months, while much of the rest of the world is still grappling with the pandemic.

The South Pacific nation of 5 million declared on Monday that it was free of the coronavirus, becoming one of the first countries in the world to return to pre-pandemic normality.

This meant no more limits on people in cafes, malls, stadiums, night clubs or public and private gatherings. Life, for the most part, is back to normal.

“I’m just walking in the city today and I’ve seen more people than I have seen in months,” said Steve Price of the capital, Wellington.

“People are shopping, dining and just hanging about holding hands... it’s so lovely to see,” he said. Many offices and businesses still have hand sanitiser dispensers at the entrance, although it is no longer mandatory to use them.

Pubs are opening their dance floors and are expecting many to turn up on Friday.

“I just realised....I can hug someone today,” said one user on Twitter as #COVIDFreeNZ was trending.

New Zealanders are emerging from the pandemic while big economies such as Brazil, Britain, India and the United States continue to struggle with the virus.