On the 23rd March, our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, announced New Zealand will be going into level 4 lockdown, which I absolutely believe in. New Zealand has a low number of coronavirus cases and has suffered very few deaths. In saying that, I think it is also important to acknowledge the negative effects lockdown is having on our economy. A heartwarming result of lockdown for many families has been increased family time and community spirit.
The number of cases of covid-19 in New Zealand has remained very low. The majority of people followed the rules and stayed home. This helped prevent coronavirus from spreading throughout our community. We have now had two days in a row of zero cases! Preventing the spread of coronavirus is also helping save lives. Vulnerable people with low immunity like my grandmother have a high chance of not recovering if they were to get coronavirus.
Unfortunately lockdown has negative results too. Businesses still have bills to be paid with less money coming in. Some businesses have closed and unemployment is expected to increase. This would make very hard for families who are no longer working but still having to pay bills, rent and food for their families. Hopefully we are able to move to level 2 soon and everyone is able to get back to work.
Lockdown has brought families closer together and living in one house for a long time. Us kids have nothing on at all except online school. We have much more time to do our own thing with no after school activities. People are making sure elderly neighbours are doing alright in this new and different situation. Jacinda often says "be kind", which has been repeated positively throughout the community.
I believe lockdown is working. Few cases and low death rate proves this. Hopefully businesses will not be affected too much. The way Jacinda has led us through this unexpected time, "stay strong save lives" has been has very comforting.
