But New Zealand had a plan to go hard and go early to tackle the virus - and then be in better shape to recover.
Plenty of people have differing views over this approach but I believe this was the best option and, in my view, the plan has so far worked.
It seems to me people across our region have mostly obeyed the restrictions. Thankfully any breaches do not appear to have created any disastrous fallout.
However, we all know our success against Covid-19 the virus has come at a horrific financial price.
Businesses have lost money and staff - or closed. People have lost livelihoods and jobs. Our economy is facing a massive economic threat.
People have suffered with mental health and domestic violence issues while in lockdown.
People's health has suffered in other ways.
These sacrifices will be felt for a long time to come, and it is important we acknowledge this and support those who need it.
Now, as we today contemplate our last day at level 3, we can look forward to more freedom, with restaurants, shopping, cinemas reopening, and students resuming school on Monday.
