New Zealand COVID-19 Alert Status Extended Until Tuesday 29 June 29

JAKARTA - New Zealand will extend its COVID-19 alert status in the capital Wellington by two days, as authorities on Sunday said there was still a risk of an Australian tourist testing positive for COVID-19 after visiting the city last weekend. Wellington, which shifted to Level Alert 2 on Wednesday, June 23, will now stay with that status until Tuesday, June 29. "It's clear that we're not out of harm's way yet," COVID-19 Minister Chris Hipkins said at a news conference. More testing and test results are needed so that we feel confident in making decisions to lower our level of vigilance."

The move means that social distancing rules will apply across the city but offices, schools and businesses may still be open. New Zealand suspended quarantine-free travel from Australia on Saturday, June 26 for three days, citing too many cases and an outbreak of COVID "The three-day break will give us time to see if we need to impose extra measures, as well as give us time to further understand the situation in Australia," he said.