聽People wearing face masks wait for a bus on the first day of New Zealand鈥檚 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) safety measure that mandates wearing of a mask on public transport, in Auckland, New Zealand, August 31, 2020. REUTERS FILE PHOTO
New Zealand will extend the COVID-19 alert level in the capital Wellington for two days, as authorities said on Sunday there is still a risk from an Australian tourist who tested positive for the coronavirus after visiting the city last weekend.
Wellington, which moved to Alert Level 2 on Wednesday, will now remain at that level until Tuesday.
鈥淚t鈥檚 clear that we are not out of the woods yet,鈥� COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins told a news briefing. 鈥淢ore testing and more results are required in order for us to feel confident in making a decision to lower alert levels.鈥�
The measure means social distancing rules will be in place across the city, but offices, schools and businesses may remain open.
New Zealand halted quarantine-free travel from Australia on Saturday for three days, saying there were too many cases and outbreaks.
鈥淭he three-day pause will give us time to look at whether we need to impose additional measures, as well as give us time to further understand the situation in Australia,鈥� Hipkins said.