20/20

My Dear Princess and Dear Fellows,

Today was the moment of truth for most of the country - the day we would find out if we would be moving from level 3 down to level 2 covid alert. 

Level 2 is a much more meaningful change - theoretically I can go back to work and everything re-opens. There are still a lot of restrictions in place around the numbers of people allowed into cafes and bars, but it's a lot closer to normal, and we can socialise with mates again. 

Or to put it another way, last week Shenée threatened to appear at my front door at midnight on level 2 day. "I miss you Stoffy!" she wailed. 

It's nice to be missed. 

Hopes were high. For the past three days, we've had 20 new cases per day - down from a high of 83 new cases one day last week. And the vast majority of new cases have been from family members of already-infected people, in the same house. 

This news was announced by Dr. Ashley Bloomfield. If you didn't know, he's a bit of a national hero over here, due to his no-nonsense delivery and calm demeanour. 

But of course, it was back to the PM to make the big announcement. And indeed it is back to level 2 for us from Tuesday at 11.59 pm. Except for Auckland, of course, they have another week at level 4 to go before their alert level is up for review. 

For me, it is something of a relief. Don't get me wrong. I've been enjoying lockdown with Caro a lot, but it will be nice to have the option to hang out with Tiger and Loulou again. 

All the same, I'm not sure if I'll be going back into the office this week. I'm actually more productive at home than I am at work. 

Plus, it is not as if I need to go to work to see Shenée. 

Is that her car I hear outside????

S.