TRAGIC

New Zealand Records First COVID-19 Death in Six Months

The victim was a woman in her 90s who had underlying health conditions.

New Zealand has recorded its first COVID-19 death in more than six months, Reuters reports. The victim, a woman in her 90s, had a number of underlying health conditions, according to health officials. “Every death is a reminder of the damage COVID-19 can cause when it gets into our community,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “Our older New Zealanders and those with underlying health issues are by far the most at risk from the virus and one of the reasons lockdowns are such an important tool to stop its spread.” The country is currently in a “Level 4” lockdown, with most residents asked to stay home and schools, restaurants, and indoor venues shut down.

New Zealand has been a world model for handling the coronavirus, with the country entering and exiting lockdowns much quicker than other larger nations. That’s left the country with a comparatively low 3,392 cases and 27 deaths.