Coronavirus alert level 2: The nine things you need to know from today's announcement

While the downshift to coronavirus alert level 3 last week was ridiculed as "level 4 but with KFC", the Prime Minister's announcement on alert level 2 today made it clear we're about to head into something significantly different to the phase we're currently in.

Jacinda Ardern's speech and Q&A on Thursday afternoon spanned nearly an hour and covered a range of changes - from the activities that are allowed, to the new travel restrictions, to whether we can sit in at our favourite cafes and restaurants.

New Zealand hasn't yet found out when our COVID-19 response is expected to de-escalate to level 2, with the Government set to make an announcement on it next week.

Once we do, here's what it'll look like.

What you can do at alert level 2

1. All businesses can open: There is a prerequisite, however - they're only allowed to do so if they can do it safely. The Government says this is to help get people back to work.
2. We can go in-store at local businesses: The likes of Farmer's, The Warehouse and K-Mart will all open up their physical stores, so you'll no longer need to wait for delivery.
3. Schools will open back up: This also includes tertiary education facilities and early learning centres. The Government says appropriate measures will be in place at all facilities.
4. We can travel between regions: Big news for our decimated tourism industry. People will be able to travel domestically but must follow public health guidance when doing so.
5. We can safely connect with friends and family: The 'bubble' system we've grown so accustomed to is gone. You can see other people again - but the Government warns it should only be small gatherings.
6. We can visit local restaurants, cafes and bars: Now you don't just have to get takeaways, you can actually sit in at your favourite eateries - although there are new rules for the hospitality sector to ensure safety to patrons and staff.
7. We can return to our regular recreation activities: Playgrounds, gyms and public courts will reopen and water activities will be able to resume.
8. We can celebrate life's important moments: Weddings, funerals, birthdays and anniversaries can all be commemorated in the right way - although the gatherings can't have more than 100 guests. 
9. Religious gatherings and ceremonies can be held: These have to be small, however - no congregations over 100 people - and held with public health measures in place.

While it'll feel a lot closer to our regular way of doing things, the Government warns Kiwis not to think of alert level 2 as "life as normal"

There are still some restrictions and other measures remain in place to reduce the risk of transmission.

Why life at alert level 2 is still not 'normal'

1. We need to maintain physical distancing.
2. We will keep tight controls in place at our borders.
3. Our wide-scale testing will continue.
4. We will find and self-isolate anyone who is unwell and their close contacts.
5. There will be measures in place to allow some safe travel and socialising.
6. Only small, controlled gatherings will be permitted.
7. Early childhood centres, schools and tertiary organisations will see most people returning - with controls in place.
8. Physical distancing, hygiene standards and contact registers will make businesses safe.