Jacinda Ardern says restrictions are needed to prevent a spike in cases, as experts warn any relaxation now would be ‘very dangerous’
Auckland, the city at the centre of New Zealand’s Covid outbreak, will remain in level 3 lockdown for another two weeks, despite rising vaccination levels. The decision from prime minister Jacinda Ardern comes as experts remain concerned that an early move out of lockdown could be disastrous, and risk overwhelming the health system.
Auckland is closing in on 90% of its population having had one shot; 89% of the region’s population has now had at least one dose, and 70% are fully vaccinated.
