Auckland is to move to COVID Alert Level 2 as of midnight tonight and the rest of the country will move to Level 1.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director General of Health Dr. Ashley Bloomfield addressed media this afternoon after Cabinet met to review the current alert levels. Prime Minister Ardern says while Auckland will move to level 2, there will be some exceptions.
The Prime Minister clarified, “Students and the school community of Papatoetoe High School in South Auckland are being asked to do things a little differently. Students along with their families are being asked to stay at home. They will need to return a negative test before heading back to school next Monday.”
The high number of negative tests across Auckland has provided the Government with reassurance that no extensive community transmission has taken place. But as an additional precaution, the requirement to wear face coverings on public transport will apply to all of New Zealand at Alert Levels 1 and 2 from 11:59pm tonight, until further notice.
All levels will be reviewed by Cabinet on Monday 22nd February.
At Alert Level 2, you can go to work and school and travel to other regions. COVID-19 is contained but there is a risk of community transmission. The current situation in Auckland fits this level.
You can leave home, but you should follow public health measures and consider others around you.
You are required to wear a face covering on public transport and on domestic flights. You are also encouraged to wear face coverings in situations where physical distancing is not possible, like in shops.
You can go to work and school, but you should follow public health measures and consider others around you.
Gatherings and events are restricted to no more than 100 people.
Find out more about the Alert Level 2 requirements on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
Additional locations of interest for Auckland February cases are now available on the Ministry of Health website.