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Only one thing can help against the spread of the delta variant: strict exit restrictions.
At least that is New Zealand's strategy to stay Covid-free as possible.
The government has now extended the lockdown in Auckland, the country's largest city, once again.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand:
“33 new cases were reported today, all in the Auckland area. This is a high number, but it must be noted that only one case cannot currently be assigned to our known clusters. So, in a sense, these are cases that we expect. "
In mid-August there were always new infections with the Delta variant in Auckland.
The health authorities have not been able to follow up on all cases.
This is one of the reasons why almost two million people now have to adhere to strict initial rules for at least a week.
And offices, schools and public institutions will remain closed afterwards.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand:
“The cases show us that we have more work to do. The next week will be crucial in gaining the certainty we need. In addition to active cluster management, we will continue the tests, which are initially limited to seven relevant suburbs. "
In Germany, politicians promise that there will be no further lockdown.
You also refer to the high vaccination rate.
The New Zealand government, on the other hand, ordered corona vaccines late, they are still in short supply.
Just 35 percent of people have been fully vaccinated so far - far too few to keep the highly contagious Delta variant at bay.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern knows that too.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand:
“If you look around the world, the vaccination rate is decisive for whether or not there are high numbers of hospitalizations and, unfortunately, deaths. Vaccinations are the best tool we have so far in the fight against Covid. (...) Therefore I would like to ask people to help us. We have this tool, we have to use it. "
The criticism of the government and its no-Covid strategy is getting louder.
In mid-August, a single corona case was enough to justify a nationwide lockdown.
This was ended last week.
But Auckland, with its "puzzling" outbursts, remains sealed off for the time being.