New Zealand’s COVID-19 outbreak continues, with 24 new cases reported, all of them in Auckland, the country’s most populous city with a population of over 1.6 million.
On Sunday, health officials announced the new cases while warning of increased numbers in future days due to spread within households.
The new cases continue despite a month of lockdown in Auckland, raising questions as to whether NZ will be successful in its aim of eliminating the virus.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said “the tail of Delta is long and it is tough”.
“It doesn’t change what we need to do, and that continues to be stay at home, and get vaccinated,” she said.
The first case in this outbreak was identified on August 17, with Ms Ardern ordering a whole-of-country lockdown within hours of that positive test.
The total outbreak totals 1050 people, with 1033 in Auckland and the remaining 17 from Wellington.
Hospitalisations remain low, with 13 Kiwis being treated in three Auckland hospitals, including four in intensive care.
AAP
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