New Zealand: PM Jacinda Ardern denied table in cafe due to social distancing

New Zealand's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has been applauded for the way she handled the coronavirus pandemic in the country. As the country was was able to flatten the curve, the government eased down the lockdown and allowed people to step out and continue with their day-to-day lives, but with social distancing rules applied.

One such restaurant, Olive Restaurant, in Wellington City, took the social distancing rules seriously and denied Jacinda Ardern a table as they had met the maximum capacity.

Also watch: New Zealand virus containment sets an example for countries across the world

Jacinda Ardern has advised the restaurants and cafe to accommodate only a set number of people at once in their premises. As the restaurant already had all tables full, the Prime Minister and her partner were asked to wait.

A twitter user was the first to spot Jacinda, and tweeted, “Omg Jacinda Ardern just tried to come into Olive and was rejected cause it’s full.”

However, almost 10 minutes later, the restaurant was able to accommodate the PM and her partner for a brunch, as a table became available.

Few hours later, Jacinda's partner, Clarke Gayford, replied to the tweet jokingly saying he forgot to book a table, but praised the restaurant staff for their service.

The Manager reassured that no special treatment was provided to the PM, and that fetching the customers once a table becomes available is restaurant's standard policy.

Jacinda's team said she does not mind waiting in a line during these tough times and "she just waits like everyone else.”