Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday extended New Zealand's strict nationwide COVID-19 lockdown saying the current outbreak of the Delta variant of the coronavirus had not yet peaked.
The level 4 national lockdown was extended by three days until midnight on August 27 while Auckland, the epicentre of the outbreak, will have restrictions in place at least until August 31.
"The safest option for all of us right now is to hold the course for longer," Ardern said at a news conference.
"If the world has taught us anything it is to be cautious with this variant of COVID-19," she added.
Ardern said contacts in the community by people infected with the Delta variant were reported all over the country. There are more than 320 locations of interest linked to the outbreak and 13,000 contacts have been recorded, far more than in previous outbreaks.
"Delta has changed the rules of the game," Ardern said.
New Zealand earlier in the day reported 35 new cases of COVID-19 taking the total number of infections in the outbreak to 107.
The health ministry said in a statement that 33 new cases are in Auckland and two are in the capital Wellington.
Iran rejects Trump's talk of negotiation as Israel and Iran launch airstrikes
Cyprus has opened discussion with UK over its bases, president says
Netanyahu seeks to avoid snap vote as Iran war gives no boost in polls
Luxury Paris hotel near Elysee reopens after fire forces brief closure
Germany renews push for sugar tax and energy drinks ban for children
No injuries reported as drone attack hits fuel tank at Kuwait's airport
US expected to send thousands more soldiers to Middle East
Philippines works with Washington to obtain oil from US-sanctioned countries
