New Zealand moves up alert levels: What you need to know

3:54 pm on 12 August 2020

After more than 100 days New Zealand has four cases of Covid-19 outside of a managed isolation or a quarantine facility.

People are tested for Covid-19 at a drive through testing site sponsored by the city at Camping World Stadium on July 8, 2020 in Orlando, Florida.

Photo: AFP

The four cases are from the same family-based in Auckland. Auckland moved to alert level 3 from midday Wednesday for three days - until midnight on Friday.

The rest of New Zealand entered alert level 2 for three days, also until midnight on Friday.

Testing centres in Auckland are operating with more staff and longer hours in coming days and DHBs are also planning pop up clinics.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says one of the positive cases, a woman in her 20s, travelled to Rotorua at the weekend while she was symptomatic. She was accompanied by a child who has tested positive since the weekend.

The pair visited some family and tourist locations.

There is a Covid-19 testing site available in Rotorua at 2 Vaughan Rd.

Photo: RNZ / Vinay Ranchhod

If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre

Alert level 3 restrictions for Auckland:

Stay at home in your bubble, other than essential movements such as going to the supermarket or local recreation.
Aucklanders need to work from home unless they are essential workers.
Schools and childcare facilities have closed, except for the children of essential service workers.
Bars, restaurants and businesses were due to close by midday Wednesday.
Gatherings of up to 10 people can continue, but only for wedding services, funerals and tangihanga.
Travel into Auckland is prohibited unless you normally live there and are travelling home.
Anyone with flu-like symptoms is asked to get tested by contacting their GP or calling Healthline.
All key services, including pharmacies and supermarkets remain open. Food delivery is available under level 3.
Masks should be used where social distancing is difficult, for example on public transport.
Masks are compulsory for anyone boarding a flight from Auckland.
All cinemas, libraries, museums, pools and art galleries were due to close by midday Wednesday.

Covid-19 symptoms include: a cough, a high temperature of at least 38C, shortness of breath, sore throat, sneezing and runny nose, loss of smell or taste. If you have one or more of these call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 08003585453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP.

Alert level 2 restrictions for the rest of the country:

Work and school can be attended with physical distancing.
Wear masks if you can in public, particularly where physical distancing is not easy.
Masks are compulsory on all domestic flights
No more than 100 people at gatherings, including weddings, birthdays, funerals and tangihanga.
Businesses can open to the public if they are following public health guidance, which includes physical distancing and record keeping.
People at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19, for example, those with underlying medical conditions and people over 70, are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving home.
Practise good hygiene - stay home if sick.
Public venues like museums, libraries and pools can remain open.
Non-essential travel around New Zealand should be limited.

Police are operating nine roadblocks on Auckland's boundaries and have released a map showing the locations.

Higher Police visibility and checkpoints to be established under Auckland Alert Level 3.

Police will increase reassurance visits and establish road checkpoints when regional Alert Level 3 restrictions for Auckland come into effect from midday today.https://t.co/c4EJXk9qUQ pic.twitter.com/JKUZfEcjhp
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) August 12, 2020

Where to get help:

Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)

Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz

What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)

Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)

Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254

Healthline: 0800 611 116

Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.