New Zealand has moved back into lockdown following a new community case of Covid-19 in Auckland.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the alert-level 4 lockdowns at a special press conference.
On Wednesday morning, the case was confirmed to be the delta variant. Four more people have tested positive for the virus overnight. They are all linked as close contacts of the initial community case.
The lockdown will start at 11.59pm on Tuesday 17th and last for seven days in Auckland and Coromandel. It will last for 3 days for the rest of New Zealand.
Contact tracing has started in Auckland in an effort to isolate and contain any spread. Aucklanders are being encouraged to social distance and exercise caution.
One person in Auckland has been diagnosed with Covid-19. However, they have had no immediate contact with a MIQ facility. The Auckland Regional Public Health unit is now undertaking interviews with the case so that it can begin tracing contacts.
