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