'Shutdown Mode: Toddler Happily Wears Basket on Head as NZ Prepares for Full Lockdown

An adorable toddler in Whangaparaoa, New Zealand, joyfully donned a basket on his head, on March 23, while the nation’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced plans for the country to enter a month-long nationwide lockdown.

Oblivious to what the media was calling “the most significant restrictions on New Zealanders’ movements in modern history,” 17-month-old Brodie Beynon ran through his home without a care.

On March 23, New Zealand was given two days to prepare for schools, businesses, and community services to close in a desperate attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The prime minster’s move came after the number of cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand rose past 100.

“The worst-case scenario is simply intolerable, it would represent the greatest loss of New Zealanders’ lives in our history and I will not take that chance.” Ardern said.

“I say to all New Zealanders: the government will do all it can to protect you. Now I’m asking you to do everything you can to protect all of us. Kiwis – go home.” Credit: Huw Beynon via Storyful