WELLINGTON (Reuters] – New Zealand will continue to extend its coronavirus bans in Auckland for a week but then ease them afterward, Prime Minister Jacinda Adern announced on Monday. It was yet another day of new infections.

Ardern announced that New Zealand has reached an agreement on Nov. 10, 2009, to reopen retail shops and other institutions, as it fights the spread COVID-19.

Ardern stated that because of Auckland’s high vaccination rate, we are able to move more confidently.

“These choices are well-balanced and let us release some pressure and fatigue that exists in Auckland.

This city lifted its limit on outdoor gatherings to 25 people.

New Zealand was praised for its coronavirus response last year. However, it is now facing an outbreak and has decided to continue living with the virus.

It still fared well, with strong curbs keeping COVID-19 infected to around 6,000 people and 28 deaths.

In the past few days, daily cases rose to new records with 162 reported on Monday. 53 of the victims were hospitalized, while four others received intensive care. In a graphic of the epidemic released to the media, it is expected that the number of cases will continue to rise.

Ardern claimed that vaccinations provide protection and help to reduce hospital admissions.

“Previously, we tried to eliminate all cases. “Delta has made us change our strategy, but vaccines have helped us achieve the same goal,” she said.

Over 75%, which is approximately 3.1 million, of New Zealanders, are now fully vaccinated. 88% only have received one dose.

The government stated that an increase in cases is occurring among Maori communities, which have a lower vaccination rate.