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Despite their best efforts, New Zealand has suffered another COVID-19 outbreak.

The numbers are still minor league – 148 confirmed cases as of last night – but that represents its biggest outbreak yet, with experts saying it could take six weeks to stamp out.

While addressing the country on Sunday to keep them informed regarding the outbreak, New Zealand’s COVID-19 response minister put his foot in it.

It’s easy to see what Chris Hipkins was trying to say, but when he stated that it is “a challenge for people in high-density areas to get outside and spread their legs when they are surrounded by other people” you knew social media would have a field day.

Standing alongside Hipkins, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, the country’s director-general of health, also picked up on it:

I believe the correct term is ‘stretch their legs’, Chris.

He knew what was coming, and soon enough, #spreadyourlegs was trending:

Chris Hipkins: Spread your legs.

New Zealand: pic.twitter.com/rfKyKbt2wi

— Aaron Dahmen (@dahmenaaron) August 22, 2021

Following ministry of health advice today and getting out to #SpreadYourLegs. Us kiwis are a compliant lot. #chrishipkins #SpreadYourLegsNZ pic.twitter.com/KHHBVPyo46

— sean murphy (@at0nal) August 22, 2021

Currently out spreading my legs, @chrishipkins pic.twitter.com/zCCJ0zTr2Z

— Matty McLean (@MattyMcLean) August 22, 2021

Chris Hipkins is grounded. #SpreadYourLegs pic.twitter.com/7YpEBbZUzl

— Foxy of the Godmothers (@FoxyLustyGrover) August 23, 2021

Feel like Chris Hipkins really lived up to this headline today pic.twitter.com/0PIe50nzJn

— Jo Moir (@jo_moir) August 22, 2021

Chris Hipkins reckons it’s harder for people in denser areas to get out and spread their legs pic.twitter.com/BuzaYisozV

— C:\Program Files (x86) (@stufox) August 22, 2021

People across Aotearoa, just following the medical advice from the govt.#COVID19 #Covid19nz #SpreadYourLegs pic.twitter.com/ozOR5dHZEg

— Phid McAwesome He/Him/Man thing (@PhidMcAwesome) August 22, 2021

Am I doing this right?#SpreadYourLegs pic.twitter.com/Rx1bAoz1Tt

— Anna Sutherland (@annaksutherland) August 23, 2021

Do the right thing folks: stay local when you have the urge to …#SpreadYourLegs pic.twitter.com/cyb52u15K3

— Scottie – I’m fully vacinated (@Scotty_Lockdown) August 22, 2021

The Kiwis do enjoy a good laugh (aside from their bitter rugby journalists), and somebody also stepped up to the plate to try and make a quick buck.

The NZ Herald reports:

Auckland-based small business Nofilterco is selling a “spread your legs” mug, with Chris Hipkins on it, so you can remember the official Government advice when you’re having your morning coffee (or your afternoon wine, what you put in that mug is entirely your decision).

The mug features an image of Chris Hipkins alongside the message “Drive short distances to spread your legs” and can be purchased online via the Nofilterco website for $25.

Not the most flattering picture, but Hipkins seems like a good sport.

Certainly a bigger laugh than our now former Minister of Health and the Digital Vibes feeding frenzy scandal.

[source:nzherald]