Virus cases in NZ fall, one vaccine death reported

The number of new coronavirus cases in New Zealand fell significantly for the first time since an outbreak was detected nearly two weeks ago. Officials hope it is an indication that a strict nationwide lockdown might be working to halt the virus's spread. Health authorities on Monday reported 53 new community cases, down from 83 a day earlier.

Some of that decrease may have been attributable to fewer tests being completed. Meanwhile, the country has reported its first coronavirus vaccine death. A health board that monitors vaccine safety said Monday a woman died from myocarditis after taking the Pfizer vaccine.

The board said the woman likely developed the condition because of the vaccine, although had other medical issues which may have contributed. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said myocarditis was a very rare side-effect and there was clear evidence that taking the vaccine was much safer than being infected with COVID-19.

Health authorities have so far administered vaccines to more than 2 million New Zealanders. The board declined to answer questions from The Associated Press including the woman's age and the date of her death, citing protocol because a medical examiner is investigating the case further.

Also Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Auckland would remain in strict lockdown for at least two more weeks and the rest of the country for at least one more week, but with slightly fewer restrictions, as the nation battles an outbreak of the delta variant.

New Zealand's government is pursuing an elimination strategy in which it tries to stamp out the virus entirely whenever it appears. The government put the country into the toughest form of lockdown after the first case of the current delta variant outbreak was detected Aug. 17.