Jacinda Ardern orders four-week lockdown for New Zealand to battle coronavirus outbreak

A spike in coronavirus cases has prompted the New Zealand government to lift its coronavirus alert level setting from two to four.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Source: AAP

New Zealand is moving to a near-complete societal lockdown within 48 hours as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern aims to seize on a "window of opportunity" to contain COVID-19.

Military personnel will join with police in enforcing nationwide self-isolation under the unprecedented restrictions.

Read the full article in English here.