New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern has thanked people for “stopping an uncontrolled explosion of Covid-19”, as she announced an easing of lockdown.

The country has been praised for its quick and strict response to the virus, and will move from “Level 4” lockdown to “Level 3” late next Monday.

It means some businesses can reopen, along with some schools, while rules on local travel will be relaxed.

“We have done what very few countries have been able to do,” Ms Ardern said.

New Zealand, which has a population of five million, has had 1,440 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.

Just nine new cases were announced on Monday. Seven of the deaths are linked to a care home in Christchurch.

What is changing in New Zealand?

The country introduced a state of national emergency on 25 March, and went to “Level 4” later that day.

That was four days before the first virus-related death in the country was confirmed.

The Level 4 lockdown meant people had to stay at home, except for “essential personal movement”. Exercise was allowed locally, but travel was “severely limited”.

Businesses closed – except for essential services – as did schools and public venues. All gatherings were cancelled.