New Zealand has reported seven new coronavirus cases after a lockdown in the country's biggest city, Auckland, was extended in response to the country's first COVID-19 outbreak in months.
Six of the seven new cases reported on Saturday have been linked to the Auckland cluster responsible for all the previous community cases, Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a media briefing in Wellington.
Dr Bloomfield also revealed that authorities were investigating whether the fresh outbreak was linked to a cold storage facility in Melbourne.
New Zealand health authorities have been in contact with their counterparts in Victoria, he said, and genome sequencing was underway "to see if there is any possible linkage there".
"We are looking at that possibility, it’s part of the overall puzzle and we are leaving no stone unturned."
The lockdown in Auckland, home to 1.7 million people, was extended for nearly two weeks on Friday after New Zealand confirmed 12 new coronavirus cases and one probable case.
There are now 56 active cases in the country, following more than a hundred days of no new infections in the community.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Auckland would remain in Level 3 lockdown, and the rest of the country in Level 2, until 11:59pm on 26 August.
She said extending the lockdowns would buy authorities more time to stop the Auckland cluster from growing.
Medical staff prepare to take COVID-19 tests at a drive-through assessment centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. Source: AAP
"Our current expectation is that by this time, the perimeter of the cluster will be identified, will be isolated, and we can move to Level 2 in Auckland with confidence," Ms Ardern said.
She said the genomic sequence of the virus from the current outbreak is not the same as that from community cases recorded during the country's first outbreak.
“This suggests this is not a case of the virus being dormant or being a burning ember in our community. It appears to be new to New Zealand,” she said.
Ms Ardern said the government would review the restrictions on 21 August, adding there was "nothing to suggest" any area in the country needed to move back to a harsh Level 4 lockdown.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
With additional reporting by AAP.
