Two of the three new Covid-19 cases that sent New Zealand’s Akeland city into lockdown have confirmed the presence of different strains of the virus, first found in the UK.
The three local Covid-19 cases released on Sunday are the mother, father and daughter of the same South Uck Clander home, said Director-General of Health Dr. Ashley Bloomfield said at a news conference on Sunday. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said one of the three works in a facility that does laundry for airlines.
Land Clay Mayor Phil Goff told CNN. Officials believe the person’s employment could be an “attachment” to the virus.
The cases prompted authorities to call for a three-day lockdown for about 1.5 million people and Auckland, the country’s largest population center, starting at 11:59 a.m. Sunday.
“We’re dealing with a change to the more transmissible version, the Covid-19. We want to be very careful. That’s why we’ve taken this very cautious approach.” “All we have to do is stay home. And so if you’re in the land calendar, for the next 72 hours, please stay home.”
Goff said the virus content success in New Zealand has been achieved when officials “move forward strongly and go faster.”
“The government made this decision, in consultation with us in Caledonia, that a similar response should be given this time,” he said. “So after a beautiful week of watching America’s Cup yacht races, and people enjoying the sunshine and the beaches and the parks and festivals, all of a sudden we’re in a 72-hour lockdown.”
Goff said 6,000 to 7,000 people will now be tested for the virus, and if those tests are cleared again, authorities will be able to take new drastic measures.
No new cases were reported on Monday, the country’s health ministry said in a statement
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