The New Zealand government has expanded its national closure as COVID-19 cases grow worldwide.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that the blockade of the nation will continue until the end of August, adding that the new data model shows that the current outbreak in the country will reach its peak in the coming days , reported the Associated Press.
“We need more information. We need more certainty. We don’t want to take risks with the delta, “Ardern said, referring to the highly contagious variant.” If the world has taught us anything, we need to be careful with this variant of COVID-19. “
The new blockade means most New Zealanders will stay home, only able to leave to buy groceries and medicine and exercise, according to the AP.
Ardern also said the New Zealand parliament will suspend sessions for a week due to the outbreak, the AP reported.
Health officials in New Zealand reported 35 cases of new delta variants, the highest total since last April.
Twenty percent of New Zealand’s population has been completely vaccinated, the PA said, far below that of the United States.