New Zealand: Auckland confined again

Viruses have this knack of inviting themselves when you least expect it, this is the painful lesson that the New Zealand authorities are learning the hard way. Shown as an example in the management of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of this archipelago in the South Pacific, had to announce on Tuesday a reconfinement of Auckland, the most populous city in the country, only three days. after rejoicing that there have been no new cases for 100 days. A count which remains blocked at 102 days since four cases have been recorded within the same family with no link with foreign countries.

According to New Zealand Herald, a man in his 50s was tested twice after showing symptoms of fever and cough. The result was positive each time. Among the family, three other members, including a child and the man’s partner, tested positive and three others tested negative. The family lives in the southern suburbs of the city. New Zealand Chief Health Officer Dr Ashley Bloomfield told a press conference he expected to find more cases as they are unable to identify the cause of this infection. He also denied any link with the person who tested positive in South Korea after a stay in New Zealand.

New containment in Auckland

Faced with these worrying data, Jacinda Ardern decreed confinement for three days throughout the Auckland region starting this Wednesday, August 12 at noon. Everyone is invited to stay at home, to telecommute unless they are an “essential” worker. Schools close except to accommodate the children of people who have to work. Gatherings are limited to 10 people. The rest of the country also has a less severe restriction: New Zealanders must wear a mask as soon as they leave their homes and gatherings are limited to 100 people. “Act like you have Covid and everyone around you has itsaid the Prime Minister. Please don’t rush to the supermarkets tonight. There is no reason to rush there or go back for a purchase.”

Jacinda Ardern assumes the idea of ​​​​confining the entire agglomeration of 1.6 million inhabitants – or 1/3 of New Zealanders – by “precaution”. “We know how to act since we have done it before”, she says. The country claims the longest duration of non-contamination after a first wave in the world. According to Johns Hopkins University, New Zealand has 1,570 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 22 deaths. Figures that should change in the coming days.