WELLINGTON, Feb. 29 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Saturday reassured the public that panic-buying goods was unnecessary after the first COVID-19 case was announced in the country.
Ardern also slammed some local media reports, saying they had caused "unnecessary anxiety" for the public.
Crowds of buyers appeared in several Auckland supermarkets after a woman was tested to have the COVID-19 on Friday after being admitted by the Auckland City Hospital.
The woman, in her 60s, arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday from Iran, via Bali.
"The clear message I want to send is New Zealand is good at these kinds of events and situations. Our public health officials are world-class. Our hospital systems are well-prepared," the prime minister said.
"If you need a bottle of milk, go to the supermarket. If you don't, don't. Continue on as you would regardless."
She said health officials have contacted passengers of the same plane with the patient and provided reassuring messages to those concerned.
The patient contracting the virus is in a stable condition and improving, she added.
