New Zealand abandons “Zero Govt” strategy to start living with virus after delta variation erupts

Prime Minister Jacinta Artern on Monday acknowledged that New Zealand’s widely acclaimed ‘Zero Govt’ strategy had failed to stem Auckland’s recurrent corona virus outbreak. He said that A new approach was needed.

The policy of removing the sharp lines greatly protected the country from epidemic, and Residents enjoyed an almost normal domestic life with strict restrictions At international borders.

But The eruption, which sparked a number of Govt-19 cases in August, forced the administration to order a seven-week isolation. At its core population center, it has failed to stem the tide of infections.

Said Atern The highly contagious delta variant proved to be a “game changer” and could not be eliminated.

“Even with the long-term restrictions we have, It is clear that we have not reached zeroHe added.

Atern said he would not immediately abandon the corona virus strategy, but it did While the number of new cases has not decreased, restrictions in Auckland will be slightly relaxed.

He said a major policy change related to the goal of eradicating the virus was possible The vaccination rate has increased dramatically.

“Strict policy is important because we don’t have vaccines, we have them now, So we can start changing the way we do things. “He told reporters.

Auckland will be restricted for now, but The government will review it weekly For the plan to reintroduce freedoms.

City dwellers can meet outside in groups of up to 10 people starting Wednesday Measures such as reopening shops and schools will be considered in the coming weeks.

The rest of the country was allowed out of isolation in early September.

Before the eruption of Auckland, New Zealand’s Govt eradication strategy has been widely praised by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Only 27 deaths per five million population.

Leader of the Opposition Judith Collins said Artern only provided a “vague wish list” that failed to outline a coherent plan to change the “zero Govt” approach.

(With information from AFP)

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