Listen
Aucklanders have spent their weekend at Alert Level 3, with people asked to stay near home and restaurants and bars closed, although restaurant takeaway service is allowed.
On Friday, the government announced they would be providing another round of financial assistance to struggling businesses, with finalised details expected to be announced later today.
One Auckland restaurateur says they're hoping the wage subsidy extension will last at least four to six weeks.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson has already outlined the scheme will last for as long as Alert Level 3, which, at the moment, is set for two weeks.
Additionally, businesses up and down the country will be able to access it, given the importance of the Auckland market to the rest of the country.
While owners and employees have been anxiously awaiting more detail, the government has been thrashing out the criteria for eligible businesses.
Chand Sahrawat, co-owner of three Auckland restaurants, told RNZ reporter Harry Lock, the extension will provide some relief, given the drop in demand.