[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Prime Minister of New Zealand canceled her wedding due to strengthened COVID-19 quarantine measures.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, stated at a press conference on the 23rd (local time), "Nine people, including family members who attended a wedding held in the Auckland region from the Nelson area of the South Island, have been confirmed to be infected with Omicron," adding, "The entire country of New Zealand needs to enter the red traffic light system. My wedding can no longer be held as planned."
New Zealand will enter the red traffic light system starting at midnight that day. Under the red traffic light system, schools, public facilities, and businesses will all remain open, but regulations such as mask-wearing and social distancing will be strengthened. Domestic travel is allowed, but telecommuting is recommended for office workers.
Prime Minister Ardern has never officially announced the date of her wedding. However, it has been predicted that it would be held soon at a farm on the east coast of the North Island.
Regarding questions about the cancellation of her wedding at the press conference, she said, "That’s life. I am no different from many New Zealanders who have had similar experiences due to the pandemic." She added, "I am sorry for those caught up in similar scenarios (like me)."
Ardern, who was elected Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 at the age of 36, has been in a relationship with Clarke Gayford, a TV fishing program host, since 2013. She gave birth to her daughter Neve in 2018 and got engaged in April 2019.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Ministry of Health announced that there were a total of 24 new community infection cases that day, including 16 in Auckland.
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