Omicron spreads in New Zealand, spoiling PM’s wedding plans

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is postponing her wedding after announcing new COVID-19 restrictions following the discovery of nine cases of the omicron variant in a single family that flew to Auckland to attend a wedding. The so-called “red setting” of the country’s pandemic response includes heightened measures such as required mask wearing and limits on gatherings. Ardern stressed that “red is not lockdown,” noting that businesses can remain open and people can still visit family and friends and move freely around the country. But her own wedding plans are on hold. The 41-year-old prime minister was planning to tie the knot next weekend. She apologized to anyone else caught in the similar situation.