New Zealand admits it can no longer get rid of coronavirus

Since early in the pandemic, New Zealand had pursued an unusual zero-tolerance approach to the virus through strict lockdowns and aggressive contact tracing

Jacinda Ardern. Picture: Mark Mitchell/Pool Photo via AP

New Zealand’s government has acknowledged what most other countries did long ago: it can no longer completely get rid of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a cautious plan to ease lockdown restrictions in Auckland, despite an outbreak there that continues to simmer.