New Zealand: The siege of the country’s largest city ends on Sunday

A week under cover. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Friday the lifting of the blockade on Auckland, the country’s largest city. This will end on Sunday. Seven days after its entry into force.

This measure, which affected nearly 1.7 million people, you may decide After the case of Covid-19 whose origin cannot be explained. In the end, the authorities discovered that the family members of the infected person did not respect the isolation measures. In particular, they kept seeing friends, who also tested positive for the coronavirus.

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 careful and prudent disposal strategy,” Jacinda Ardern told reporters.

Zero Covid strategy

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. This strategy has a name: “Zero Covid”.

Read also> Covid-19: ‘Zero Covid’ strategy, good idea or fashion?

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the people of Auckland, which underwent shutdowns twice in FebruaryThey were tired, but they urged them to obey the rules set to limit any spread of the virus. “We may not be in a devastating situation that much of the world finds itself in, but the strategy of elimination can seem like a difficult endeavor,” Jacinda Ardern said. “It is normal to feel tired” and “it is difficult for everyone,” the head of government emphasized again before thanking the residents.

Even if Auckland’s lockdown ends on Sunday, the number of people who can take part in the rally will be limited to 100 and masks will remain mandatory on public transport. In the rest of the country, restrictions are at a minimum.