All four of the cases were found in one household in South Auckland according to New Zealand Health Director Dr Ashley Bloomfield. He added that none of the new cases had recently traveled outside New Zealand.
“We have prepared ourselves for this time, and that time is now,” said Dr Bloomfield, adding that the “health care system is well prepared.”
“In line with our precautionary approach, we will ask Aucklanders to take swift action with us. From 12 o’clock tomorrow, Wednesday 12 August, we will move Auckland to level 3 restrictions,” Ardern said.
She added that this will give health officials time to track urgent contact and assess the situation.
The new restrictions mean that businesses including restaurants, bars and non-essential stores will have to close. People will now also only be allowed to leave their homes to carry out essential activities, such as picking up supplies at grocery stores. Meetings over 10 people will also be limited in Auckland.
Schools in Auckland will also be closed for three days. Outside of Auckland, the rest of New Zealand will go into level two restrictions. Under the restrictions, groups of no more than 100 people can gather in one place.
Social distance should also be practiced at hairdressing establishments, while public locations such as museums, libraries and swimming pools may open if they comply with public health measures and ensure physical distance and record keeping of one meter.
The new restrictions on Auckland and New Zealand will take place from noon to Wednesday and last at least three days until midnight on Friday.
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