The National leader wants the government to move to a lower level of coronavirus alert.
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Bridges told RNZ'sMorning Report that New Zealand should come out of level 4 lockdown next week as originally planned.
"When we think about the health effects of staying in lockdown,I'm coming to a pretty clear view that we should come out of lockdown next week,"Bridges said.
Bridges has been chairing a parliamentary committee charged with investigating the NZ government's response to the COVID-19 challenge.
On Tuesday,Bridges heard from Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy on how it has managed to slow the number of cases while allowing more businesses to remain open.
However Australia is likely to have its measures in place for longer and it still has a far higher number of cases.
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"I still say,at a high level,when we look at what Australia has done in terms of health and economy[it's had] comparable results healthwise;it's stronger economically from keeping things going,"Bridges said.
"We should be working safely to get workers and businesses back,"Bridges said.
Bridges said New Zealand should aim to work to level 2 restrictions.
"I'm realistic - I'm not suggesting suddenly we're going to be at level 2 overnight,"he said.
He said the country hadn't over-reacted going into lockdown,but it was also important to consider the effects of staying in lockdown for too long. On Tuesday agroup of academics suggested it had gone too hard,too early.
"There are real health effects from staying in lockdown,"Bridges said.
"We can chew gum and walk at the same time on health and the economy,"he said.
The government will decide whether to extend the level 4 alert on April 20,two days before the initial four-week period is scheduled to end.
"I say when Cabinet makes the decision next week,I'd urge them to come out and for safely letting a lot of business and workers get on to it because the consequences of not doing that would be so harmful."
AAP,Stuff.co.nz