It follows the recording of three new Covid-19 cases in Auckland.
Auckland has been placed in alert level-three lockdown, after a new outbreak of Covid-19 cases. The rest of New Zealand has also been placed in alert level-two restrictions.
A family in the city of Auckland – a mother, father and daughter – all tested positive for Coronavirus. New alert levels came into effect on Sunday (February 14) at 11.59pm. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the restrictions would be reviewed every 24 hours.
She added that the three-day lockdown will allow the government to gather information about the new outbreak. Many tests are to be carried out during this period, to gain further understanding on the extent of new cases.
Aucklanders have been asked to stay home, and work from their residence wherever possible. Children have also been asked to stay home from school.
PM Jacinda Ardern said “we need to act with a high degree of caution” and emphasised the need to “go hard and early”.
“Remember, we have been here before. That means we know how to get out of this: together.”
New Restrictions
Auckland (Level-Three)
– Stay at home and work remotely if possible
– Schools and daycare only open to children of essential workers
– Gatherings restricted to 10 people, but only for weddings and funerals
– Travel restrictions with borders around Auckland
– Public venues such as pools and playgrounds closed
Rest of New Zealand (Level-Two)
– People can still go to work
– Schools and daycare remain open
– Gatherings restricted to 100 people
– Travel into Auckland restricted
On Monday, the Ministry of Health said no new cases of Covid-19 had been recorded in the community though there were another five in managed isolation, bringing the country’s total number of active cases to 47.
Jacinda Ardern Later told RadioNZ: “We were right to take a cautious approach and focus on safety because we’ve confirmed it is the UK variant.”
“Based on that sequencing we haven’t been able to link it to any of our managed isolation facilities… it wasn’t someone who went from an airline into our managed isolation.”
Australia has also postponed quarantine-free travel for New Zealand for an initial three-day period, from Monday February 15.