( Wellington / Sydney Comprehensive electricity) New Zealand After another COVID-19 case occurred after 24 days, Prime Minister Ardern ordered the military to strengthen border control and regulatory isolation facilities.
New Zealand found two confirmed cases on the 16th, ending the record of zero cases for 24 consecutive days.
Incident On the 7th of this month, two women entering New Zealand from the UK were arranged to quarantine in a hotel in Auckland for 14 days. However, without receiving COVID-19 testing, they were allowed to leave the quarantine site early on the 13th and drove from Auckland to Wellington to meet their critically ill relatives. The whole journey took about 650 kilometers. At that time, one of the women had mild symptoms of coronary disease.
Adern said that it is "absolutely ridiculous" that two women left the quarantine site without being tested and that border controls need to be further strengthened to prevent similar mistakes from happening again.
After the record of zero cases was broken for 24 consecutive days, Ardern ordered the military to strengthen border control and regulatory isolation facilities. (AFP)
Ardern announced the appointment of Assistant Chief of Defense Staff and Air Force Brigadier General Weber to supervise all isolation facilities, including the entry and exit of personnel from isolation facilities. If necessary, Weber can use military resources and personnel. The authorities will also conduct audits of the isolation system to ensure that epidemic prevention measures are fully implemented.
Adern said, "I think we need rigor, confidence, and discipline that the army can provide."
Health Minister Clark expressed understanding of the public grievances caused by the relevant loss and promised to solve the problem. He said: "We have envied all countries in the world in many ways, and we must continue to be envied by the world." After the incident, New Zealand no longer allowed people in quarantine to end their quarantine early for humanitarian reasons. Preliminary investigations show that more than 300 people have contacted two confirmed patients with COVID-19, and authorities are tracing contacts and conducting tests.
After seven weeks of lockdown, New Zealand officially announced last week that it had successfully eliminated the spread of the virus and lifted domestic social distancing measures, but border controls have not been lifted.
New Zealand announced last week that it would lift domestic social distancing measures, but border controls were not lifted. The picture shows the main terminal of Wellington International Airport. (Bloomberg)
The authorities currently only allow New Zealanders and their families to return to the country, and for humanitarian reasons or in special circumstances, foreigners are allowed to enter the country to visit relatives or do business. All incoming personnel must undergo a mandatory quarantine of two weeks.
Australia is "unlikely" to open its border this year
Currently, about 3,500 people are under quarantine after entering the country. As of yesterday, there were 1,506 confirmed cases in New Zealand.
Australia, which is in Oceania with New Zealand, said it is "unlikely" to open its border this year. Trade and Tourism Minister Birmingham said Australians are likely not to travel abroad until next year, and although Australia is discussing matters with New Zealand and other countries with fewer cases regarding the "tourism bubble safety zone", he called on people not to have too much hope.
Birmingham also said authorities will explore the loosening regulations for students and long-term stayers, but entry personnel may be required to undergo 14 days of mandatory quarantine.
Australia discusses loosening regulations for students and long-term stayers and helping universities in financial difficulties. The picture shows a graduate of the University of Sydney. (Reuters file photo)
International students who are allowed to enter the country will be able to bail out Australian universities that are in financial difficulties. International students and international education are Australia's fourth largest source of foreign exchange income, with annual revenue of AUD 38 billion (about SGD 36.5 billion).
As of yesterday, there were about 7370 confirmed cases in Australia and 23 new cases.
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