New Zealand records first COVID-19 cases in 102 days

A late-night press conference confirmed the news.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardren, addressed the nation in a late-night conference confirming that four new cases of COVID-19 had been detected in Aukland. It's the first time a case has been confirmed for the country in 102 days. Prime Minister Arden announced that Level 3 restrictions will be introduced in Aukland, while the rest of the country will move into Level 2 restrictions. Information about what this means for New Zealanders has been flooding social networks in recent hours. Aukland Mayor, Phil Goff, has urged people to remain calm and come together as a community:

I understand that people are probably feeling a little bit scared, a little angry and a little confused right now. None of us wanted to go back into a lockdown, but we always knew this was a very real possibility.

— Phil Goff (@phil_goff) August 11, 2020

In Aukland, long lines have formed outside supermarkets as the public react to the news:

There are already long lines at Auckland supermarkets.

The below images are from inside the Grey Lynn countdown, lines outside Mt Eden Countdown, and about 200 people wrap around the Countdown building on Quay Street. More Covid-19 updates here: https://t.co/jR6f6LmJCW pic.twitter.com/Bi0xrJ6ZsR — RNZ (@radionz) August 11, 2020

Further updates are expected from the New Zealand Government on Wednesday.