New Zealand Reports First Local Covid-19 Cases in 102 Days

New Zealand reported its first local cases of the coronavirus in more than 100 days and put its largest city Auckland into lockdown to prevent another outbreak.

Authorities have detected four cases of Covid-19 in one household from an unknown source, and contact tracing is now underway to prevent further spread, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said late on Tuesday.

“Together we have beaten the virus before,” Ardern told a news conference. “We can do so again.”

From noon on Wednesday, Auckland will move to level 3 on New Zealand’s Covid alert system, signaling people should stay at home if possible and avoid contact with others. This will remain in place for three days, and the rest of the country will go to level 2 restrictions that include social distancing and limits on the size of gatherings.

The news comes after New Zealand recorded 102 days of no community transmission of Covid-19, managing to detect cases at the border with returned travelers going into mandatory quarantine. Health officials had warned it was only a matter of time before the virus returned.

QUICKTAKE ON SOCIAL:

QuickTake by Bloomberg is a global news network delivering up-to-the-minute analysis on the biggest news, trends and ideas for a new generation of leaders.

[frostbite]

I wonder what it's like to have a functioning government that actually cares about its people

[macywacy]

Smart leader taking action right away to safeguard her country! Our only hope is electing a new leader here.

[claudettes]

I can’t imagine waking up to this kind of strength and focus in politics.

[CGOLDENBOY]

Closed borders. All cases had been through the course of viral spread. So, for those that dont get it, they wanna know Where the new cases came from.

[brucemou]

Our great leader would say "It is what it is!" There, all better.

[thesuperviewer]

Im an American Ill quarantine as long as you say I need too, Ill sweep up mordor, Ill do whatever but will you take me in Madam Prime Minister?

[iawhitaker]

Only four cases but here in NZ as soon as we have even one untraceable positive case we shift our levels accordingly and regionally as per guidleines set up previously and upgraded should we see covid in the community again

It took a WOMAN TO BRING COVID TO A STAND STILL.👍👍👍👍👊👊👊🙏🏻😍😃

[Maliss]

Im so jealous of other peoples leaders! ugh!

[Madison.Rutherford]

Two weeks too late. Wait another two week and see what happens.

[simplymichi]

People really be acting like New Zealand keeping closed borders is such a horrible thing. It’s obviously proven to be effective thus far, and people are still allowed to go about their usual day. Because still being able to go get your groceries, take your kids out to the park, go for a bike ride, heading to the beach, and still going about your normal day despite your country having closed borders is SO much like being imprisoned

[dazuwild]

*"Tisted positive"*
I love the ascent!

[dragonslayer]

They are half the population of NYC and the size of the US eastern seaboard they will be ok

[dertbom]

She's like the coolest leader, I so want to sneak into that country during the Covid-19 lockdown, just so I can hear her say "Lock him up!" hahaha

[pcmetroify]

Time to send the invoice to Beijing, thank you China.

[Enchanteresse_Sif]

Someone did something (selfish/stupid) they shouldn’t have done and now this country and its other citizens (who have been following the rules) are going to pay the price.

People need to stop being so goddamn selfish and buckle down for the long haul. This is going to take a while to get under control.

[rohanx]

Darn it. I hope they get it under wraps quickly

[Roudter]

This is starting to feel like 'Weekend at Bernie's'

[barrynichols]

We have been back to normal for the last 4 weeks.

[TraderTimmy]

Good job NZ! Unlike the USA, you have a responsible and decent leader who uses science and medical advice to control the pandemic. We wish you all good luck. Stay safe