Lockdown life in New Zealand, the bubble that 'beat' coronavirus

Some might have been tempted to complain that such restrictions were draconian. But Ardern relayed the order with clarity and empathy. On that day she also introduced 'the bubble', a concept to help New Zealanders visualise who they might have close contact with during lockdown - typically just their own household. The concept made social distancing into something tangible, like a two-metre shell protecting anyone who ventured outside. 'Be strong, and be kind,' the prime minister said that day, a five-word slogan that would come to symbolise the country's unity during the lockdown, as messages like 'be kind' or 'kia kaha' (te reo Māori for 'be strong') were etched in chalk on pavements by children, while teddy bears were left in windows as part of a nationwide game of I-spy.