New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday, the country’s biggest city of Auckland will remain in lockdown at Level 3.

“Some restrictions in Auckland will be eased next week,” said PM Ardern.

 She added that retail might recommence.

This comes after the South Pacific Island nation reported 162 new Delta covid variant cases in the community this Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country's community outbreak to 3,510.

Among the new infections, 156 were recorded in the largest city of Auckland, per Reuters.

Market reaction

NZD/USD is easing off high on these headlines, trading at 0.7169, up 0.06% on the day, at the press time.