South Island mayors are eager to see their COVID-free island come out of lockdown.<\/p>\n
On Monday, after health officials announced 20 new cases - all in Auckland - Jacinda Arderns cabinet was expected to meet to discuss the COVID-19 restrictions in force across the country.<\/p>\n
Auckland is confirmed to stay in an extreme level four lockdown for another week.<\/p>\n
But for the rest of the country, which has endured 20 days of lockdown so far, its an open question.<\/p>\n
Many South Islanders believe they should get back many of their freedoms with a move to level two, which allows Kiwis to get back to work and school while retaining gathering caps and some mask-wearing.<\/p>\n
There has not been a confirmed community case of COVID-19 on South Island since last November, when a nurse working in NZs quarantine system contracted the virus.<\/p>\n
To have Wellington with, say, 14 active cases and the South Island with none, and for us all to be at the same level doesnt make a lot of sense to me, Westland Mayor Bruce Smith told Newshub.<\/p>\n
The opposition has also called for South Island to shift to level two.<\/p>\n
South Island people and businesses are being put under unnecessary stress for no good reason, National party leader Judith Collins said.<\/p>\n
Unless the government is again keeping vital information from New Zealanders, theres no reason why the South Islands alert level shouldnt be dropped to level 2 with immediate effect.<\/p>\n
Other mayors arent so sure.<\/p>\n
Central Otago mayor Tim Cadogan said he was a supporter of New Zealands worlds best elimination response.<\/p>\n
Whoever is giving the government their advice over the last 18 months has done a great job, he told AAP.<\/p>\n
Im not an epidemiologist. Ill happily go along with what they want.<\/p>\n
Rachel Reese, Mayor of Nelson, said a move to level two would require rigorous controls at Auckland airport and the Cook Strait ferries.<\/p>\n
There is a very strong push for the South Island to drop a level, she said.<\/p>\n
Timarus mayor Nigel Bowen said his community also expected a shift.<\/p>\n
By all accounts COVID is not in the South Island, he said.<\/p>\n
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said the decision hinged on more than simply case numbers.<\/p>\n
The absence of cases and positive wastewater testing, making sure that all those contacts, who had further testing to be done, that testing has been done, he said.<\/p>\n
All of that matters.<\/p>\n
Weve all got a job to do here, and well consider the advice that Dr Bloomfield gives us and make a decision.<\/p>\n
Robertson, who grew up in Dunedin, said hed had plenty of feedback from South Islanders on a move closer to normality.<\/p>\n
The South Island knows that its helping to contribute to New Zealands overall ability to stamp out this outbreak, he said.<\/p>\n
Weve all got a job to do here, and well consider the advice that Dr Bloomfield gives us and make a decision.<\/p>\n
Monday is the third day in a row New Zealand has reported 20 new cases, which takes the total outbreak to 821 cases.<\/p>\n
There are 40 people with COVID-19 in hospital, and six in intensive care units.<\/p>\n
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More here:<\/p>\n
Jacinda Ardern weighing up end to New Zealands nationwide COVID-19 lockdown after new cases announced on Monday - 7NEWS.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" South Island mayors are eager to see their COVID-free island come out of lockdown. On Monday, after health officials announced 20 new cases - all in Auckland - Jacinda Arderns cabinet was expected to meet to discuss the COVID-19 restrictions in force across the country. Continue reading