New Zealand set to announce whether to ease virus lockdown measures

11 Sept 17:28 Key points summarised by AI

New Zealand's leadership convened to decide on easing its stringent Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown, which has effectively contained the virus with minimal new cases and deaths.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce the decision, determining if the nation transitions to Alert Level 3, allowing some economic activity but maintaining strict social restrictions.
Moving to Alert Level 3 would permit businesses to reopen with contactless services and schools to partially operate, yet social life would remain significantly curtailed.
Experts propose extending the current Level 4 lockdown to potentially achieve complete elimination of the virus in New Zealand.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Today 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.