While we, as a collective society, have sacrificed so much in the recent weeks in an attempt to flatten the curve and ultimately save lives, some good news has recently emerged out of New Zealand regarding some of our favorite holiday customs and characters.

On April 6th, 2020, New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, took the stage at a press conference to boldly declare that the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy have been added to the “essential workers” list, and will be permitted to continue operating throughout the pandemic.

This news comes as a great relief to all the patient children who have waited all year to scour their yards for Easter eggs and other spring surprises or cash in those hard-earned baby teeth for a few extra bucks. Thankfully, despite the implications of the coronavirus, there will be no delay in these crucial celebrations.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has added the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny to the list of essential workers https://t.co/TNkM6zbdJu pic.twitter.com/WG1bgaLZDI

— CNN International (@cnni) April 7, 2020

However, although the New Zealand Prime Minister has kindly allowed these essential workers to continue their cheerful endeavors, she also warned that they’re also currently going through a particularly chaotic season and that we must be understanding of their circumstances. After all, even bunnies must adhere to social distancing standards and remain in their rabbit holes as much as possible.

“I say to the children of New Zealand, if the Easter Bunny doesn’t make it to your household, we have to understand that it’s a bit difficult at the moment for the bunny to perhaps get everywhere.”

Nevertheless, in an optimistic persuasion, the Prime Minister also added a noble suggestion to the citizens of New Zealand and, unintentionally, the world.

“But I’ve a bit on an idea that maybe in lieu of the bunny being able to make it your home, you can create your own Easter hunt for all the children in your neighborhoods. So if you’re one of those homes that had a teddy in your front window, maybe draw an Easter egg and pop it into your front window and help children in your neighborhood with their own easter egg hunt, because the Easter bunny might not get everywhere this year.”