New Zealand’s Battle with the Delta Wave Hits Record High
It’s a new record for the biggest outbreak ever seen in New Zealand. The country logged 94 fresh COVID‑19 cases on Tuesday, 87 of which landed in Auckland – the nation’s sparkling crown city.
Numbers to Note
- Total confirmed cases in this outbreak: 2,099
- Deaths so far: 28
- Hospitalised patients: 38
Lockdown Still in Effect
Despite tightening rules, the Delta variant keeps propagating. About 1.7 million Aucklanders remain under lockdown, which was just extended for another two weeks on Monday.
Why the Spike?
The authorities blame paradoxical behaviours: people breaking rules and those who remain unvaccinated are the main culprits.
“The rules matter for everyone and the ask of testing if you are symptomatic applies to everyone,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during a news conference.
“We need everyone who can be, to be vaccinated … we all have a part to play,” she added.
From Zero to Delta
New Zealand had comfortably kept COVID‑19 at bay for most of the pandemic, until the Delta wave took hold in mid‑August. The government is now rolling out the national plan to “live with” the virus by ramping up vaccinations – over 67 % of the population is fully vaccinated now.
With rolling admissions, the country is reshaping its future. Stay alert, stay safe, and don’t forget your mask!
