New Zealand at Alert Level 4
UPDATE
August 18
1.16pm
The Prime Minister and the Director-General of Health are currently giving an update to the nation at the Beehive.
Here's what you need to know:
- Genome sequencing was undertaken last night and it has been confirmed that this is linked to the NSW outbreak.
- There are no genomic matches to those cases at the border to this case.
- There are a further two cases to report in the community.
- From 11:59pm, it will be compulsory to wear masks when accessing essential services.
- From 8am tomorrow, the Covid-19 vaccination programme will resume.
___________________________________________________________
UPDATE
August 18
9.10am
- Four new cases have been identified, all genomically linked to the original case
- The original case has been confirmed as having the Delta variant
___________________________________________________________
New Zealand will move to a Level 4 lockdown after a community case was detected in Auckland.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was joined by Ashley Bloomfield at a press conference, where she confirmed that Auckland and Coromandel would move to Alert Level 4 from 11.59pm for seven days, while the rest of the country will be under Level 4 conditions for three days.
It is unknown whether this case is that of the Delta variant. Bloomfield stated that genome sequencing will be completed by tomorrow morning.
There is currently 23 locations of interest, 10 in Auckland and 13 in Coromandel. Current locations of interest can be found here.
The case has no links to the border and interviews are currently being undertaken with the case to find any possible locations of interest and how they came to be in contact with Covid-19.
Here's what you need to know:
- A refresh on Level restrictions and what it means for you.
- Here are the locations of interest.
- If you have any flu-like symptoms, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or ring your GP.
- Find your closest Covid-19 testing location on the Healthpoint website
- Essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open.
For more information, visit covid19.govt.nz.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
0% Yes
-
0% No
-
0% Other - I'll share below
Room to rent
I have a room to rent in my 2 bedroom apartment in Upper Hutt Central. The room is fully furnished with a queen size bed, 42 inch smart tv, drawers and fan. Right next door to pak n save supermarket, very central. Rent is 280.00 per week, Fibre wifi included. Parking is on road. Very safe building with key coded entry door. 1 week rent in advance and 3 weeks bond, total of 1120.00 to move in.
THE MAHARA PLACE MID-WEEK MARKET IS ON TODAY
The weather is looking good so come on down to the Mahara Place mid-week MARKET which is on TODAY (Tuesday) from 9.30am until midday near the new library in Waikanae. Fresh Fruit & Veg, Red Van Plants, Fresh Flowers, Lions Christmas Cakes, Olive Oil, Yummy Local Waikanae Honey, Sewing Crafts, The Rawleigh's Man, Hand Made Mini Light Houses & Bird Houses, Good quality Bric-a-Brac, Records, Books, Knitting Wool and lots lots more. Grab a coffee, visit the market and the local shops. See you there...SUPPORT LOCAL!!