Jacinda Ardern: earthquake in corona statement

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New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern continues to lead her country undeterred in the fight against the coronavirus.

Even the forces of nature obviously do not disturb them.

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand Prime Minister:

“Sorry, a little distraction.

Would you repeat the question, please? "

A moderate earthquake occurred on the North Island of New Zealand on Friday during the press conference.

According to initial information, there were no damages or injuries.

In the past few weeks, the corona virus in particular has shaken the country.

New Zealand had to adapt its long successful no-covid strategy in order to get the Delta variant under control.

The numbers continued to rise, especially in the Auckland region - despite a strict lockdown.

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand Prime Minister:

“We used to say we had to stay home to save lives, today we have to be vaccinated to save lives.

And this is exactly where New Zealand has the chance to go its own way.

Very few countries had the chance to vaccinate people before Covid was in every corner of every community.

We can do that."

Prime Minister Ardern has set an ambitious vaccination target: 90 percent of the eligible population should be fully vaccinated.

Then, according to the government, most of the restrictions in Auckland could also be relaxed.