BREAKING: NZ at alert level 3 and will move to lockdown in 48hrs

By MiNDFOOD

BREAKING: NZ at alert level 3 and will move to lockdown in 48hrs

Prime Minister Jacinda has raised New Zealand COVID-19 alert level to 3 effective immediately. This will move to level 4 in 48hrs.

“We are facing the potential for devastating impacts..but we do have a small window to get ahead of it,” said Ardern. “Act now, or risk the virus taking hold as it has elsewhere.”

This comes after 36 new cases were confirmed by the Ministry of Health today, bringing New Zealand’s total to 102.

Two of the new cases are being treated as community transmission. They are located in Auckland and Wairarapa.

“The situation here is moving at pace and so have we,” says Ardern. If community transmission continues, it will double every day. “Hundreds of New Zealanders will die,” warned Ardern. “Right now we have a window of opportunity to break the chain of community transmission.”

“This is not a decision taken lightly, but it is our best chance to slow the virus and save lives,” says Ardern.

Supermarkets, doctors, pharmacies, petrol stations, essential banking services will be available at every alert. If you don’t have immediate needs, do not go to the supermarket.

“We are preparing as a nation to move in self-isolation,” she says.

Schools will be closed from tomorrow except to the children of essential workers such as doctors, nurses and police. Schools will close entirely from midnight Wednesday.

The level 4 measures will be in place for a minimum of 4 weeks. “Everything you will give up over the next 4 weeks…will literally save thousands of lives,” she says.

The Finance Minister announced additional financial support for all businesses and individuals impacted by this 4-week lockdown. The Minister says they will ensure all New Zealanders will maintain their income.

What does level 3 mean?

The alert level 3 is defined as ‘Restrict’. This means heightened risk that the disease is not contained and that community transmission has occurred or multiple clusters have broken out.

The measures for alert level 3 are:

  • Travel in areas with clusters or community transmission limited
  • Affected educational facilities closed
  • Mass gatherings cancelled
  • Public venues closed (e.g. libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, amusement parks)
  • Alternative ways of working required and some non-essential businesses should close
  • Non face-to-face primary care consultations
  • Non acute (elective) services and procedures in hospitals deferred and healthcare staff reprioritised

 

What does level 4 mean?

The alert level 4 is defined as ‘Eliminate’. This means it is likely the disease is not contained and that there is sustained and intensive transmission and widespread outbreaks.

The measures for alert level 4 are:

  • People instructed to stay at home
  • Educational facilities and schools closed
  • Businesses closed except for essential services (e.g. supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics) and lifeline utilities
  • Rationing of supplies and requisitioning of facilities
  • Travel severely limited
  • Major reprioritisation of healthcare services

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