New Zealand lifts lockdown on Auckland, the country’s largest city

New Zealand on Friday lifted the containment of Auckland, the country’s largest city, believing that the source of the COVID-19 contamination had been contained.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the lockdown would end on Sunday, a week after it went into effect.

The measure, which affected about 1.7 million people, was taken after an unexplained case of coronavirus.

In the end, the authorities discovered that the family members of the infected person did not respect the isolation measures. In particular, they continued to see friends who also tested positive for Covid-19.

The origin of this case is now known and the epidemiological focus is limited to 15 cases, Aucklanders can leave their homes again.

“This plan is in line with our cautious and cautious phase-out strategy,” Arden told reporters.

New Zealand’s record in fighting Covid-19 abroad has been hailed. In total, only 26 deaths have been attributed to the coronavirus in this country of five million people.

The prime minister acknowledged that Aucklanders, who suffered two lockdowns in February, were tired, but urged them to stick to rules set to curb the spread of the virus.

“We may not be in a devastating situation that much of the world finds itself in, but an elimination strategy can seem like a difficult endeavor,” Ms Ardern admitted.

Before thanking the residents, the prime minister stressed that “it is normal to feel tired” and “it is difficult for everyone”.

If Auckland’s lockdown ends on Sunday, the number of people who can participate in the rally will be capped at 100 and masks will remain mandatory on public transport.

In the rest of the country, restrictions are at a minimum.