New Zealand in lockdown over a single case of the Delta variant

[Andrew Reeve]

 

Even for a very popular prime minister like Jacinda Ardern, putting the country under lockdown over a single case should have been a tough sell to the people New Zealand.

However, a devastating breakout of the Delta variant in Sydney has galvanized New Zealand's "team of 5 million" – and the government's firm stance on Covid-19 has received widespread public support across the country. New Zealand was placed on level 4 lockdown on Tuesday, the highest level of restrictions, after the country reported its first local case of the Delta variant.

The announcement was met with surprise and considerable condemnation from international figures. Nigel Farage, a former politician and pro-Brexit campaigner, said Ardern had "lost her marbles." “Jacinda Ardern's zero Covid fantasy is nothing short of a never-ending nightmare,” claimed a broadcaster on GB News, a partisan UK television station that has struggled in the ratings.

However, the strongest overseas critics of its elimination strategy have been met with bemusement or resistance in the country. New Zealanders have repeatedly backed even the most difficult anti-Covid restrictions. According to survey commissioned by the Spinoff in February, around 80% of people thought the government's Covid-19 reaction was overall satisfactory, and 59% said it was "very good".

“If [international commentators] are surprised, they have not been paying attention,” says Dr. Siouxsie Wiles, a leading epidemic communicator in the country. “The vast majority of people in New Zealand understand what we are up against, and are supportive of our response,” Wiles says.

Source: The Guardian

 

[Guest]

 

JUST IN - New Zealand to enter nationwide lockdown after detecting 1st local case for 170 days: "Do not talk to your neighbors."

 

[noosard]

Gone from 1 case to 10 cases with a link to NSW

So this is why NZ has done this lockdown

[triplebogey]

And Phuket ??????

[shanghailoz]

NZ is doing it the right way.

China did the same, (and is still doing it).

 

Its a hard choice, but kudos to them for making it.

[AussieBob]

Until 70-80% are vaccinated NZ is staying closed - and the majority support that approach. As proven - yet again - the only way to keep Covid out - is to keep other people out.  Someone from Aust brought Covid with them when visiting NZ - just one person - that is all it takes.

Over-reaction? Maybe. But the NZ people want it kept out and they are prepared to isolate themselves from the rest of the world until they have herd immunity through vaccines. 

[Maverick]

If they are prepared to be a hermit economy, I guess it’s fine, can’t believe business people, and anyone involved in tourism or trade are too enthralled about it. China can survive it’s an export driven economy and has domestic tourism to support related business’s , the current government in NZ doesn’t care about small business and tourism, it is after a socialist government and they want control. Only a matter of time before there is serious pushback from people being driven out of business, probably too late. 

[Rain]

3 hours ago, shanghailoz said:

NZ is doing it the right way.

China did the same, (and is still doing it).

Its a hard choice, but kudos to them for making it.

There were [and still are] a few countries that took this path - 

Lockdowns and mandated mitigation practices for a certain duration.

Most have benefitted. 

[BlueSphinx]

9 minutes ago, Rain said:

There were [and still are] a few countries that took this path - 

Lockdowns and mandated mitigation practices for a certain duration.

Most have benefitted. 

Name them, so that we can discuss those 'benefits'.

[Hamosity]

9 hours ago, BlueSphinx said:

Name them, so that we can discuss those 'benefits'.

Well ………New Zealand for one:

“The BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI) is at 57.9 points, a marginal drop of 0.5 from June, but well above its long term average of 53.9 for the survey.

A rating above 50 indicates growth.

Employment is also continuing to grow (55.2) at above average levels in the sector, despite a tight labour market.

BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said combined with last week's "blistering" Performance Manufacturing Index (PMI) employment reading, it set up Q3 to be another strong quarter of employment growth, and the nation's unemployment rate continues to lower.”

https://wwww.rnz.co.nz/news/business/449273/services-sector-and-employment-levels-continue-to-expand

“House prices were supposed to fall 15% or so, the unemployment rate rise to 10%, inflation plummet, and the economy to take 3-4 years to get back to its previous size.

But after falling just 3%, house prices subsequently soared 34%. The unemployment rate only rose to 5.2% and now sits back at its pre-covid 4%. Inflation has jumped to 3.3% and is set to soon exceed 4%, and the economy grew bigger than its pre-Covid size within six months.” 

https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/tony-alexander-winners-and-losers-from-the-reserve-banks-u-turn-on-interest-rates-40014

Yes there is some pain. Tourist operators are relying on local activity (not sustainable) and horticulturalist don’t have access to seasonal/backpacker harvesters. 
 
Like much in life there’s no valid binary position.

 

Apols for the crap editing. 
 

 

 

[mcambl61]

14 hours ago, shanghailoz said:

NZ is doing it the right way.

China did the same, (and is still doing it).

Its a hard choice, but kudos to them for making it.

No, they are not. This is ridiculous. 

 

This isn't the plague. We know precisely what groups are at risk. 

 

We know the low fatality rates for healthy people or if you are under 50. Stop the ridiculous overreaction and fear mongering. 

Vaccines are available. 

Pure draconian tyranny. 

Edited August 18, 2021 by mcambl61

[gummy]

Just now, mcambl61 said:

No, they are not. This is ridiculous. 

This isn't the plague. We know precisely what groups are at risk. 

Vaccines are available. 

Pure draconian tyranny. 

Are you a New Zealander ?  There are many comments on here where people consider that the problem today is that other people and countries are interfering in other countries internal affairs, this is but another example. What New Zealanders do in their country for the perceived benefit of their own people who voted for them is up to them, anybody else should keep their noses out.

[mcambl61]

2 minutes ago, gummy said:

Are you a New Zealander ?  There are many comments on here where people consider that the problem today is that other people and countries are interfering in other countries internal affairs, this is but another example. What New Zealanders do in their country for the perceived benefit of their own people who voted for them is up to them, anybody else should keep their noses out.

Well aren't you special. 

 

No matter who is saying it, this ridiculous overreaction is stupid and unnecessary. 

 

Stop treating it like the black plague. 

 

Silly childish overreaction and fear mongering when we know precisely who is at risk and we have moderately effective vaccines is pure tyranny. 

 

You keep cowering in fear if it makes you feel better about yourself. 

[Freeduhdumb]

There's a lot of letters in the alphabets of the world and when you go looking for variants you're going to find them... enjoy your slavery New Zealand, there are always going to be variants (what we used to call strains). 

A quote from the study's conclusion.

In conclusion, we describe a VOC Gamma COVID-19 outbreak with a strikingly high attack rate among persons fully vaccinated with BNT162b2 vaccine. Our observation suggested that BNT162b2 protected from severe COVID-19. However, this single unexpected outbreak in a small and isolated vaccinated population requires further real-life studies on BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness against the VOC Gamma. Masking and social distancing —even among those fully vaccinated— may be necessary among persons with frequent exposure in Gamma variant–endemic zones.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/10/21-1427_article
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-info.html

Edited August 18, 2021 by Freeduhdumb
Grammar correction additional content.

[Rain]

14 minutes ago, gummy said:

Are you a New Zealander ?  There are many comments on here where people consider that the problem today is that other people and countries are interfering in other countries internal affairs, this is but another example. What New Zealanders do in their country for the perceived benefit of their own people who voted for them is up to them, anybody else should keep their noses out.

Yep. That works. 

Well constructed. 

These lovely ideals should easily be applied in other areas as well. 

[noosard]

What countries in the Asia pacific region are actually open ?

I cant think of one

Edited August 19, 2021 by noosard

[BlueSphinx]

New Zealand is applying the unhealthy 'keep children away from any possible source of infection' on a nation-wide scale.  That approach when applied on a micro-scale (fanatical hygiene-measures by the parents) only leads to children not developing their natural immune-system, and for which they pay the price later as you cannot hide from life and all the micro-organisms we are co-existing with. 

Even if NZ succeeds in eradicating the Delta-variant on their territory (good luck with that one), how will they ever going to open up again when covid and its many variants has gone endemic in the rest of the world?  
That's a longer-term question that needs to be considered.

But I do agree that it is THEIR country and if the majority of the population is PRO such an approach, they of course have the right to 'go their own way'.  Just like we have the right to warn them of the consequences of doing that. 

[noosard]

46 minutes ago, BlueSphinx said:

New Zealand is applying the unhealthy 'keep children away from any possible source of infection' on a nation-wide scale.  That approach when applied on a micro-scale (fanatical hygiene-measures by the parents) only leads to children not developing their natural immune-system, and for which they pay the price later as you cannot hide from life and all the micro-organisms we are co-existing with. 

Even if NZ succeeds in eradicating the Delta-variant on their territory (good luck with that one), how will they ever going to open up again when covid and its many variants has gone endemic in the rest of the world?  
That's a longer-term question that needs to be considered.

But I do agree that it is THEIR country and if the majority of the population is PRO such an approach, they of course have the right to 'go their own way'.  Just like we have the right to warn them of the consequences of doing that. 

Easy when the majority are vaccinated like every other place around the world

[noosard]

Just look at the Australian fight to stop the spread

Qld has made a hard border with NSW

Just like WA has done with its border

6 months or so ago WHO was berating both NZ and Australia for over ordering too many vaccines

But as we can see they have not arrived and both countries are in short supply

[BlueSphinx]

14 minutes ago, noosard said:

Easy when the majority are vaccinated like every other place around the world

You still seem to stick to the disproved thinking that vaccinated people cannot get infected and will not transmit the virus. 

Vaccination does not protect you from getting infected, it will only reduce the severity of the disease when you catch it.  But it also suppresses the symptoms and thus effectively making the vaccinated unwitting super-spreaders when they are infected.  The unvaccinated when infected will isolate when detecting the first symptoms, but the vaccinated will unknowingly keep spreading the virus.

[shanghailoz]

3 hours ago, mcambl61 said:

Well aren't you special. 

No matter who is saying it, this ridiculous overreaction is stupid and unnecessary. 

Stop treating it like the black plague. 

Silly childish overreaction and fear mongering when we know precisely who is at risk and we have moderately effective vaccines is pure tyranny. 

You keep cowering in fear if it makes you feel better about yourself. 

 

Reducing infections will reduce death rates.

I guess the New Zealanders value life more than you do.

[KaptainRob]

NZ as an island nation of just 5 million persons was relatively easy to close down and protect from Covid up until now.  The Delta variant is a game-changer and the current lockdown is likely to either go on indefinitely or be shown as a failure. 

Ramping up of vaccinations will help reduce the severity of illness among the vulnerable and I think this lockdown is primarily designed to provide a 'fire-break' to help achieve a greater level of those vaccinated. 

Some friends of mine have received Pfizer but others are either still waiting or cannot have a jab due to existing conditions.  Ivermectin is virtually unheard of and now the Gov't is talking about banning herbal supplements.  Madness!

[noosard]

43 minutes ago, BlueSphinx said:

You still seem to stick to the disproved thinking that vaccinated people cannot get infected and will not transmit the virus. 

Vaccination does not protect you from getting infected, it will only reduce the severity of the disease when you catch it.  But it also suppresses the symptoms and thus effectively making the vaccinated unwitting super-spreaders when they are infected.  The unvaccinated when infected will isolate when detecting the first symptoms, but the vaccinated will unknowingly keep spreading the virus.

Not thinking that all

The vaccine, it does not stop you getting the virus but chances of being badly effected or dying from it are greatly reduced 

figures of less than 10% for get sick, to less than 1% for dying compared to the unvaccinated

Edited August 19, 2021 by noosard
addition

[BlueSphinx]

7 minutes ago, noosard said:

Not thinking that all

The vaccine, it does not stop you getting the virus but chances of being badly effected or dying from it are greatly reduced 

figures of less than 10% for get sick, to less than 1% for dying compared to the unvaccinated

Source please for that 1% death-rate of the vaccinated vs the 99% death-rate of the non-vaccinated.

[mcambl61]

34 minutes ago, shanghailoz said:

Reducing infections will reduce death rates.

I guess the New Zealanders value life more than you do.

Virtue signaling leftist alert