Hastings Blossom Parade kicks off in Hastings, New Zealand, Oct 3, 2020. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

The parade was by far the largest gathering held in COVID-19 alert level 1 in New Zealand. New Zealand relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions, except Auckland, by moving from level 2 to Alert Level 1 on Sept. 21.

Under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, gathering sizes are restricted to 100 people, while only 10 people in Level 2.5 and Level 3. At Alert Level 1, everyone can return to work, school, sports and domestic travel, without gathering restrictions. However, border restrictions and good hygiene are required.