Be kind: How New Zealand is winning COVID-19 fight, with 4 lockdown levels

Dubai: "Be kind, stay calm". That simple phrase captures a rather motherly message out of New Zealand under lockdown. And so far, it has worked brilliantly.

In the beginning of the strict COVID-19 lockdowns in New Zealand, conservative critics condemned Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

They charged her of creating a "nanny state". Now the Kiwis haven't just than flattened the curve.

Experts say the Kiwis have crushed it. Today, New Zealand is dubbed as a model in effectively dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday (April 25), the international media declared New Zealand as the first country in the world to have "eradicated" the disease — after what were initially regarded as confusing comments by the government. As of Friday (April 28, 2020) , the nation of 5 million inhabitants had 1,456 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 17 deaths.

How did they do it?

Wellington under the leadership of Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has been credited for its clear messaging. The messaging is followed by pro-active measures, which made compliance by the people easier to digest.

It's fouir-level Alert System offers clear details on movement, recreation, education, work busines, travel, gatherings and staying safe at every level.

The country is now at Level 3, down from Level 4, as part of a gradual exit from the lockdown. Its COVID-19 Alert System is on top of Google search, which shows people keep tabs.

So far, the population has cooperated and adhered to prescribed behaviour and limits corresponding to each level.

Expert project the pandemic may be with us for up to two years, in varying degrees of virulence (according to one mathematical model).

How long will the Kiwis keep their lockdown on? How long will the population adhere to the prescribed social distancing measures?

Here's why New Zealand’s pandemic response has worked so far, from the mouth of the Kiwis themselves (or their social media posts):

What does 'easing of the lockdown' actually mean?

New Zealand has started to relax its strict lockdown. Residents are able to travel to work, spend more time outside and order takeaway food for the first time in more than four weeks.

The move from Level 4 measures to Level 3 came from PM Ardern. She explained, however, that the downgrade,  comes with a caveat, i.e. that her country had not eradicated COVID-19 but was working towards its elimination.

Does 'elimination' of COVID-19 mean zero cases?

On Tuesday (April 26) Ardern said: “Elimination does not mean zero cases, it means zero tolerance for cases.”

Community transmission had ceased, she said, but isolated cases would continue to pop up and would continue “being stamped out” until a vaccine, or therapy was found.

Scientists are feverish working on a vaccine, but any safe and effective jab would is still a long way off — a mass roll-out was thought to be at least a year away.

Dr Ashley Bloomfield, the director general of health, explained: “Elimination (of COVID-19) is not a point in time” but something that would have to be consistently worked on.

“We haven’t eradicated the virus,” Dr Bloomfield said. “But we have achieved what we wanted to achieve in our on-going goal of elimination.”

How do Kiwis treat and fight COVID-19?

Epidemiologists advising the Arden government on the elimination strategy said the virus should be treated like measles.

This means the appearance of any cases, must be treated as "dangerous" and requiring a strong public health response —  including rigorous contact tracing.

When did schools open in New Zealand?

Schools around the country opened on Wednesday (April 27, 2020).

The prime minister said very few children were expected to attend. She advised anyone who could work from home or study from home to do so.

What is the Kiwi "Alert System"?

The Alert System means people can see and plan for the kinds of restrictions they may be required to put in place. This includes increasing or decreasing limits on human contact, travel and business operations.

The Alert System measures may be updated on the basis of:

Where do alert levels apply?

The Alert Levels may be applied at different geographical areas, including:

a town, city, territorial local authority, regional or national level.

Can different parts of the country have varying alert levels?

Yes. Different parts of the country may be at different Alert Levels. Different areas may also move up and down Alert Levels.

In general, the Alert Levels are "cumulative". For example Alert Level 1 is a base-level response. Always prepare for the next level.

Who are exempted from the Alert System?

At all levels, health services, emergency services, utilities and goods transport, and other essential services, operations and staff, are expected to remain up and running.

Employers in those sectors must continue to meet their health and safety obligations.

What's the role of the police?

The public have an an increased police presence with a focus on prevention, through education and encouragement. Alert Level 4 restrictions are to be enforced, only if required.

At all levels, if there is another emergency, follow normal emergency procedures. Emergency evacuation orders will override COVID-19 Alert System requirements to stay at home.

Alert Level 4 — Lockdown

Meaning: Likely that disease is not contained.

Risk assessment

Range of measures (applicable locally or nationally)

Alert Level 3 — Restrict

Meaning: High risk the disease is not contained.

Risk assessment

Range of measures (applicable locally or nationally)

Alert Level 2 — Reduce

Meaning: The disease is contained, but the risk of community transmission remains.

Risk assessment

Range of measures (applicable locally or nationally)

Alert Level 1 — Prepare

Meaning: The disease is contained in New Zealand.

Risk assessment

Range of measures (applicable locally or nationally)

Takeaway from the Kiwi Alert System

The Alert System, communicated well, is simple and easy to understand. Every number corresponds to a certain situation as assessed by authorities, using data from frontliners and upon the advice of (epidemiology) experts.

It can be like a lever, or accordion tool, that can be moved up or down.

Any given number immediately tells people about the measures needed to be taken. Moreover, a localised alert levels enables the implementation of measures specific to a locality or geographical area.

The system can be adopted or upgraded, to be sure. A tailor-made Alert Level out of a lockdown can be fashioned in a way that members of the public, including the business community, understand the terms.

In sum, an Alert System similar to the Kiwis', which effectively guides everyone to be on the same page, is a good starting point.