New Zealand has reintroduced coronavirus restrictions in parts of the country after new locally transmitted cases broke the 102-day streak the country had gone without recording a local infection.
Prime Minister Jacinda Arden confirmed four new locally transmitted coronavirus cases on Tuesday night.
She announced that the country’s most populous city, Auckland will be on temporary level 3 lockdown for 3 days starting from Wednesday.
Ardern stated;
In line with our precautionary approach we will be asking Aucklanders to take swift actions with us, as of 12 noon tomorrow, Wednesday August 12, we will be moving Auckland to level 3 restrictions.
The prime minister added that this will give health officials time to conduct urgent contact tracing and assess the situation.
Also, according to New Zealand’s Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield;
All four of the cases were found within one house hold in South Auckland. We have been preparing for that time, and that time is now. The health system is well prepared.
He added that none of the new cases had recently traveled outside of New Zealand.
The new restrictions mean that businesses including restaurants, bars and non-essential shops will close. People will only be allowed to leave their houses to get groceries.
In addition, gatherings of over 10 people will also be stopped. Schools in Auckland will also be closed for three days.
The rest of the country will go into level 2 restrictions which permits gathering of not more than 100 people in one place.
Social distancing must also be practiced at hospitality businesses, while public venues such as museums, libraries and pools can open if they comply with public health measures and ensure one meter physical distancing and record keeping.
Also, new restrictions across the country will take place from midday on Wednesday and last three days until midnight on Friday.
