Virus outbreak threatens New Zealand's fan-filled stadiums

Sports events in New Zealand could face new restrictions on having fans in stiums after detection of four new cases of COVID-19 in Auckland ended New Zealand’s run of 102 days without a case of community transmission.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has anunced Auckland will begin 72 hours of Level 3 lockdown from midday Wednesday while remainder of New Zealand will enter Level 2 lockdown for three days. Level 3 restrictions prohibit major sports events while Level 2 caps public garings at 100 people.

While both lockdowns are due to expire before a weekend which will see final round of matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa, most public health experts expect restrictions to be extended while source of outbreak is identified and contact tracing is carried out.

Ardern anunced late Tuesday that four members of a family in South Auckland h tested positive for COVID-19. As family h t recently traveled overseas and has h contact with border or quarantine officials who may have been exposed to coronavirus, source of outbreak is unkwn.

For past 102 days only cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand were of Kiwis returning from overseas, who are in mand isolation. That allowed life in New Zealand to return almost to rmal with schools and workplaces, restaurants and bars open and with fans allowed to attend sports events without limits on numbers.

Super Rugby Aotearoa has drawn record crowds; more than 40,000 attended opening round match at Auckland’s Eden Park on June 14 between Blues and Hurricanes.

Crusers’ home stium was filled to capacity last weekend when Christchurch-based team beat Highlanders to seal title with a round remaining. Though it’s w largely meaningless, Sunday’s match in Auckland between Blues and Crusers is also a sell-out and a crowd in excess of 43,000 is expected.

If Level 3 lockdown is extended through weekend, match between Blues and Crusers cant be played. At Level 2 matches can go ahe without spectators.

In a tweet late Tuesday, New Zealand Rugby said it “is currently assessing impact on rugby following Government anuncement that Auckland will tomorrow move to Alert Level 3 and rest of NZ to Alert Level 2.

“NZR is in close & constant dialogue with Government and a furr update will be given tomorrow (Wednesday).”

lockdowns may also impact matches in New Zealand’s professional netball championship.

Im credits: AP