Auckland will reimpose coronavirus blocking measures after a new group of the most contagious variant of the British coronavirus has been detected in New Zealand’s largest city, Reuters reported on Sunday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the blockade late Saturday, saying she would remain in place for a week. Ardern said a person was infected with the strain for about a week without isolating it.
“It is more than likely that there will be additional cases in the community,” she said at a news conference, according to Reuters.
“Despite our best efforts so far, recent cases have worked when they shouldn’t,” she added.
The island nation has been one of the most successful countries in containing the virus, quickly closing its borders or closing individual cities when new clusters emerge.
The UK variant was first detected in New Zealand in mid-February, requesting an application for a three-day stay. Authorities have linked at least 14 cases to the variant in New Zealand.
With the new measures, people will be restricted to leaving home to work and make essential purchases. All public places will be closed in the city and other parts of the country will also be subject to restrictions at public meetings. Several sporting events have been postponed or changed, including the America’s Cup yacht race, scheduled for Sunday, and the international cricket match Twenty20, which will be played privately in Wellington, according to Reuters.
New Zealand has recorded a total of 26 deaths and just over 2,000 infections by the virus since the pandemic began last year.