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WELLINGTON, May 4-- New Zealander Wendell Cook began his work from home as usual on Monday in Wellington, a new normal for him since the country started the battle against the COVID-19 in late March. The country moved from alert level 4 to 3 last Tuesday and will stay for at least two weeks at Level 3 before a further review and alert level decision on May 11. For the first time in 49 days, New Zealand reported no new COVID-19 case over the past 24 hours on Monday, with the total number of infections staying at 1,487, and the death toll 20. Wendell Cook attributed New Zealand's relatively mild COVID-19 situation to "good governance" and "luck," as New Zealand's geographic location is relatively isolated and it has a low population density. The government continues to communicate the situation to the public, releasing information timely to avoid panic. National unity, trust in the government and the public's active cooperation played an important role in the country's epidemic control, Cook said. SOCIAL IMPACT Since the alert level was lowered last Tuesday, those in industries including construction, manufacturing and catering have resumed work, with the vast majority of others still working or studying remotely to avoid social contact. New Zealand may further lower its alert to level two next week, which will allow all businesses and public facilities to open while maintaining a social distance of one meter. | 
