By Stephen Wright
WELLINGTON, New Zealand--Pandemic restrictions in New Zealand's largest city will be slightly eased from Wednesday despite a rise in Covid-19 cases, as the more contagious Delta variant forces the government to tack from its policy of eliminating the virus.
The current lockdown in Auckland, which began Aug. 18 following discovery of a single case of Covid-19, hasn't replicated the success of New Zealand's initial lockdown last year, which halted the spread of the virus.
Daily cases have risen to 20 or higher for the past three days after being as low as 11. They peaked in the low eighties in late August.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday that the government is still continuing with its stamp-it-out approach to the virus. She said health authorities believe the current outbreak is contained and an increased level of vaccinations also gives greater confidence.
From Wednesday, businesses in Auckland that can provide contactless services, such as takeaway food, will be able to operate. Schools will stay closed and travel in and out of the region will remain off limits for most people.
New Zealand's vaccination campaign started slowly, largely reflecting the pace of deliveries of the Pfizer Inc. jab, but it has gained pace in the past few weeks.
Write to Stephen Wright at stephen.wright@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
09-20-21 0136ET
