All bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries, playgrounds and any other place where the public congregate will close from midnight Wednesday, 25 March. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the call to action today as the country moves to Alert Level 3 nationwide in the COVID-19 pandemic. After 48 hours, the time required to ensure essential services are in place, the country will move to Level 4 in complete lockdown. In response, all non-essential businesses in New Zealand must close. All indoor and outdoor events cannot proceed. Takeaway services must move to close their operations. Ardern said, "Right now we have a window of opportunity to break the chain of community transmission – to contain the virus – to stop it multiplying and to protect New Zealanders from the worst. Our plan is simple. We can stop the spread by staying at home and reducing contact. Now is the time to act." Supermarkets, doctors, pharmacies, service stations, access to essential banking services will all be available throughout New Zealand at every alert level. Head to the New Zealand Government's Ministry of Health website for the latest COVID-19 advice. Image: Capture Studios.