New Zealand will enact sweeping lockdowns in its largest city after transmission of the coronavirus was detected for the first time in 102 days.
On Tuesday, four new locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus were found among a single family within the southern area of Auckland. Government officials recategorized the city under level 3 restrictions, which ban social gatherings over ten people and close bars, restaurants, and nonessential businesses.
“This is something we have prepared for,” said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a news conference. “We have had 102 days, and it was easy to feel New Zealand was out of the woods. No country has gone as far as we did without having a resurgence. And because we were the only ones, we had to plan. And we have planned.”
In response, all other areas in New Zealand will be placed under level 2 restrictions, which limit gatherings of more than 100 people and require social distancing. The lockdowns will be a temporary measure that will only remain until midnight on Friday.
“In line with our precautionary approach, we will be asking Aucklanders to take swift actions with us, as of 12 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 12, we will be moving Auckland to level 3 restrictions,” Ardern said.
In June, the foreign country lifted its social distancing protocols after it reported zero active coronavirus cases.
“While the job is not done, there is no denying this is a milestone. … Thank you, New Zealand,” Ardern said then.
