The New Zealand government has declared a state of emergency as the country prepares for lockdown at 11.59 pm tonight.
Director General of Civil Defence Emergency Management Sarah Stuart-Black made the announcement today, saying the declaration ensures the government has all the powers it needs to deal with the pandemic.
These powers include providing for conservation of fuel, closing roads, stopping activities and prohibiting traffic. The state of emergency applies to all of New Zealand, including the off-shore islands.
Stuart-Black also announced a mobile alert between 6-7 pm tonight.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health also announced 50 new cases of COVID-19 as of this morning, bringing the total to 205.
22 people have recovered an 6 are in hospital in stable conditions.
5 confirmed cases are from Marist College and the school as already been closed. Staff members who have symptoms are being tested.
4 cases are confirmed as community transmission.
Dr Bloomfield says the number of cases are predicted to increase for at least 10 days before they turn around. “That turnaround will happen if all New Zealanders are doing what is being asked – stay at home, break the chan and save lives.”
