Prime Minister Jacinda Arden to address the Nation at 530 pm
Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 14, 2020
Millions of people- “Team Five Million’ as widely known, will be in front of their television sets at 530 pm (NZT) as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses them about the onset of the second wave of Covid-19 and the measures that her government will take to combat its spread.
The first case of community transmission was reported in South Auckland on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, following which the entire City went into Lockdown Level 3, with a string of restrictions.
Level 3 Restrictions
Weddings, funerals and any other social gatherings including places of worship, cannot have more than 10 persons. The Police have deployed officials to monitor compliance.
Bars, restaurants, butcheries and many other retail outlets are closed down to avoid the spread of Coronavirus. Supermarkets, superettes dealing with ethnic items, fast food outlets, petrol stations, GPs, health clinics and other essential services are open but must follow social distancing and other relevant measures announced by the government.
Early warning issued
Ms Ardern and Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield had warned as early as June this year when the country went down to Alert Level 1 that there could be a second wave of Covid-19 with returning New Zealanders from countries which experience high incidence of the virus.
That has now occurred and the government has said that it has plans to deal with the situation.
Meanwhile, Radio New Zealand Reports:
The South Waikato town of Tokoroa has confirmed one case of Covid-19 and one probable case, as Mayor Jenny Shattock announced on Facebook.
Earlier today Health Minister Chris Hipkins told Morning Report there are more Covid-19 cases related to the Auckland cluster which will be revealed at 1 pm today.
He said that for New Zealand to move to Alert Level 4, there should be a number of clusters and unconnected cases.
