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Jacinda Ardern's personal sacrifice amid Omicron wave: 'Such is life'

Wedding bells won't be ringing for Jacinda Ardern anytime soon with the New Zealand Prime Minister announcing she's postponing her wedding due to the Omicron variant's spread in the community.

"My wedding will not be going ahead ... such is life," she told reporters on Sunday.

"I am no different to — dare I say it — thousands of other New Zealanders who have had much more devastating impacts felt by the pandemic.

"The most gutting of which is the inability to be with a loved one sometimes when they're gravely ill. That will far, far outstrip any sadness I experience."

Jacinda Ardern speaking at a press conference on Sunday.
Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand will be moving to the red traffic light setting at 11.59pm Sunday. Source: AAP

New Zealand will move from the 'orange' Covid alert to 'red' from midnight Sunday after nine family members from Nelson in the South Island tested positive following a trip to an Auckland wedding

However, Ms Ardern assures residents it's not a lockdown.

"Our strategy is to slow the spread of Omicron down," the prime minister said .

The prime minister was due to marry long-term partner Clarke Gayford later this month in a ceremony near Gisborne, on the North Island's eastern coast.

What are the new restrictions?

According to the New Zealand Ministry of Health, at red, additional mask use is required and hospitality venues must cap indoor patrons at 100 and seat them all, with the same cap applied to events and gatherings in a bid to stop super spreader events.

Masks are also mandatory in many places including on flights, public transport, taxis, retail, and public venues, and are recommended whenever leaving the house.

Residents can visit cafes and bars, attend gatherings and events, and visit close contact businesses like hairdressers as long as they show proof of vaccination, although some limits like capacity and distancing requirements will apply.

Without a vaccine pass, there are more restrictions in place. For example, you can't visit close contact businesses like hairdressers or gyms, attend events like concerts, or dine in at cafes and restaurants.

Check-ins are also required.

The Ministry of Health announced there are 24 new community cases and 47 new cases at the border on Sunday.

with AAP

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