Sydney tried partial measures against the Delta variant before being forced to institute a lockdown. It, however, has been soft and late vaccinating all border workers and took many months to institute risk-based quarantining for arrivals. It has also been soft and late on QR-code use and masks. Experts for months have explained the Delta variant prompts new challenges, and sensible and considered advice on masks goes back more than a year. It and the Health Ministry have known about the dangers of the Delta variant for months.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 29, 2021 16:30 UTC