New Zealand to reconfine after 6 months without outbreaks of Covid-19 – The HuffPost

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CORONAVIRUS – The bubble has burst; here is the island under a bell now. New Zealand recorded this Tuesday, August 17, a new case of contamination of local origin. And refine from midnight, for at least three days, according to statements by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

“A firm and swift response is the best way to stop any possible spread. Everyone must remain calm and responsible ”, announced the Ministry of Health, a few hours before the Council of Ministers during which the measures were decided.

If New Zealand reacts so quickly, it is because this incident puts an end to six months without any outbreak on the island, so far relatively sealed off from Covid-19.

Thus, New Zealand applies a very strict health policy, taking advantage of the geographical advantage to try to have no cases on the island. Until now, this New Zealand “zero Covid” strategy has been considered a clear success.

The virus circulating at very low levels so far, has only killed 26 people for a population of five million. The other side of the coin: the vaccination campaign is slipping with only 20% of the population fully vaccinated, because they feel little affected by the coronavirus.

A poorly protected population

New Zealand is reconfiguring to prevent this first case since February 28 from fueling an epidemic in a population particularly at risk, especially since it could be the Delta variant, according to the authorities.

The Department of Health said the person tested positive in Auckland. If the exact origin of its contamination has not yet been determined, the 1.7 million inhabitants of this city – the largest in the country – will have to wait seven days to take advantage of schools and businesses again.

Last week, authorities said that the discovery of contamination cases linked to the Delta variant would lead to “short and sudden confinement”. This is now the case.