Schools and businesses were able to reopen on Monday in New Zealand’s largest city. There, the authorities lifted the lockdown that was instituted earlier this month to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

According to the newspaper The New Zealand Herald, this immediately led to great crowds at Auckland airport.

Although measures have been relaxed, residents still face restrictions. For example, meetings may not be held with more than ten people, except in schools. The government has also made the wearing of masks compulsory in public transport throughout the country.

Auckland, which has approximately 1.5 million inhabitants, went into lockdown on August 12. This happened after four people were found to have contracted the contagious virus.

That was a significant setback for the country, where the coronavirus outbreak appeared to be under control.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it is safe to lift the lockdown now. “We have a plan that we know works,” she told the press in Auckland. She called on her fellow countrymen to adhere to health guidelines. “Logically, we have had enough, that goes for the whole world.”

Many Auckland residents seem to immediately use the revocation of the lockdown to go on a trip. According to local media, hordes of people have again been spotted at the airport.

There, in the terminal for domestic travel, everyone seemed to be wearing a face mask, although it was often not possible to maintain sufficient distance.