ENTERING RECOVERY PHASE
Re-emergence of the virus in Auckland city sends the nation into a frenzy.
MEASURES
- In a major blow to the nation’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, four new COVID-19 cases were discovered in Auckland – signifying a re-emergence of the virus in the city. This comes in spite of international borders’ being shut to foreigners and returning New Zealanders being placed under mandatory quarantine.
- Ending its 102-day streak of being free from community transmission of the coronavirus, New Zealand announced the lockdown of Auckland on August 11, placing the city under Alert Level 3 restrictions for three days. The rest of New Zealand are placed under Alert Level 2 for the same period. 12 new cases of community transmission was reported on August 14. Thus far, all 38 cases are linked and are part of one Auckland-based cluster.
- The latest development has resulted in panic buying, with people rushing to supermarkets to stock up and businesses preparing to shut, just hours prior to the lockdown taking effect.
- Health officials are investigating the source the new wave of infections and considers freight as a possibility. Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and her Cabinet will decide today as to whether tighter restrictions are warranted.
- Arden also delayed a key step towards a September 14 general election – suspending until August 17 the dissolution of parliament that usually kicks off campaigning.