Panic buying broke out in Auckland as New Zealand's largest city prepares to re-enter a snap stage three lockdown after the country's first coronavirus cases in more than 100 days.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the four new cases in an emergency update last night and said the nation is prepared to fight the outbreak.

The new outbreak reportedly involves four members of the same family.

Residents in the city of Auckland, whose population is 1.7million, will be placed under a level-three lockdown for three days from midday on Wednesday.

The measures mean people will be told to remain at home, work from home if possible, and to limit their contact to their immediate "bubble".

The rest of the country will enter a level-two lockdown, which requires social distancing in public places and prohibits gatherings of more than 100.

Speaking at a late-night press conference on Tuesday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "We have not yet been able to determine the source of these cases.

"One of the most important lessons we have learned from overseas is to go hard at this.

"In line with our precautionary approach, we will be asking Aucklanders to take swift lockdown.

"If you are in Auckland, we ask that you wear a mask when accessing essential services.

"You are asked to stay home in your bubble unless you are an essential worker."

Gatherings of more than ten people in the city are now banned, and all bars, restaurants, and public services have been told to close their doors by midday on Wednesday.

School will also be shut to all pupils except for the children of key workers.

Arden continued: "While this initial three-day lockdown will primarily effect the Auckland region, I am asking our team of five million to stay alert as well.

"We have defeated this virus before and can do it again."

The new cases include a man in his fifties who tested positive up to five days after he first noticed symptoms, raising concerns he could have passed the virus to others in his community.

Read more
New Zealand puts 1.6m people back in coronavirus lockdown for 72 hours after 4 new infections – the first for 102 days
[ Ссылка ]

From Brexit breaking news to HD movie trailers, The Sun newspaper brings you the latest news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world.

Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know

Read The Sun: [ Ссылка ]
Like The Sun on Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Follow The Sun on Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: [ Ссылка ]

свернуть