New Zealand returns to lockdown as COVID-19 makes a comeback

New Zealand returned Tuesday to a COVID-19 lockdown after six months to prevent the spread of the virus's highly contagious delta variant.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern mandated a three-day lockdown after a single case of the suspected variant was discovered in the largest city, Auckland, according to Reuters.

"From the experience of what we've seen overseas, we are absolutely anticipating more cases," Ardern said.

Over 21% of the country’s population has been fully vaccinated.