New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, plunged the country into lockdown after ‘just four’ COVID cases emerged in the state, after 102 days.
The city’s 1.6 million population faced shockwaves as a new COVID outbreak, spread panic in Auckland. Moreover, the country was in the headlines after it became the world’s envy, as it marked the longest COVID-free period in days.
Similarly, New Zealand’s Prime Minister’s efforts were lauded around the globe, for handling the country’s COVID crisis with smartness. In particular, Monday marked a whopping 101 days of no new cases regarding community transmission.
The country enjoyed almost three months of sheer freedom when their Autumn lockdown turned effective at eradicating the deadly virus.
However, only recently, Jacinda Ardern called upon a cabinet meeting, late Tuesday night. And that’s where she discussed how all of the country’s freedoms would soon be on hold. She ordered strict ‘stay at home orders,’ for Auckland, lasting for a good 72 hours.
The major decision comes in light of the recent spread of COVID-19 cases, particularly in this city. Meanwhile, the decision means that more than 1.6 million Kiwis will not be granted access to move outside their homes, other than for very ‘essential reasons.’
On the other hand, the decision also entails that the rest of the country enters a level two lockdown. And that includes following mandatory standard operating procedures. In particular, unavoidable social distancing and bans on large gathering size too.
Currently, there are a number of contact tracing procedures underway at various workplaces across the country. Likewise, all confirmed cases will have to self isolate.
According to reports, New Zealand’s prime minister is ‘deeply concerned’ regarding the outbreak’s origin. This relates to the mere fact that the affected family has zero links to any overseas travelers.
Among the new, confirmed cases are a 50-year-old man, his partner, and their young aged child.