Elimination abandoned in new multi-step opening plan

Cabinet sets new three-step plan for reopening Auckland despite continued Covid infections; PM effectively ditches elimination; Auckland stays at level 3 with tweaks; Rest of NZ stays at level 2

TLDR: PM Jacinda Ardern has effectively abandoned the Government’s elimination strategy, adopting a three-step process for re-opening Auckland and then the rest of New Zealand despite continued Covid infections.

Delta has forced the Government to call time on the strict elimination strategy, moving to a staged plan for re-opening while outbreaks are stil…