Panic buying returns to NZ after four new mystery COVID cases declared
Panic buying seems to have started back up again in Auckland as New Zealand’s largest city prepares to re-enter a quick stage three lockdown.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the country’s first coronavirus cases in over 100 days, saying the nation is prepared to fight the outbreak.
As she spoke in depth about the four cases throughout the city, photos were shared online showing the long queues coming out of Auckland supermarkets with people stocking up for the next few days.
One disturbing video shows people apparently ripping open the doors of a Countdown supermarket when security attempted to control the number of people rushing in.
"That woman is saying she needs food for her kid. This ain't it Auckland," TVNZ's Matt Manukia wrote alongside the footage he posted on Twitter.
Ardern made her announcement just before 9:30 pm local time.
Auckland’s lockdown will begin from midday on Wednesday, with residents required to remain at home unless they need to visit a supermarket or exercise locally.
Social distancing rules will also be strictly required, while employees will need to work from home unless it is not possible.
Businesses are allowed to stay open but are not allowed to physically interact with customers at all.
Public venues such as libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, playgrounds and markets will all close once the lockdown begins.
Weddings, funerals and tangihanga - a traditional Maori funeral ceremony - can only be held with groups of up to 10 people who are physically distanced.