Coronavirus: New Zealand to remain at alert level 2, while Auckland remains at alert level 4

The Prime Minister has revealed Auckland's level 4 lockdown will continue for another week until 11.59pm on Tuesday 21 September before moving to alert 3, with a review next Monday 20 September.

While New Zealand will remain at alert level 2, which will also be reviewed next Monday.

While case numbers remain low and contained, experts warn lifting Auckland out of lockdown too soon could risk reigniting the outbreak.

While the Government has previously said it would not necessarily wait until there were zero cases in the community before moving alert levels, it has been concerned by the number of unlinked or "mystery cases" popping up.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said this morning level 4 was tough, but it was the best chance of getting on top of the virus and breaking the chain of transmission.

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Cabinet met this afternoon to decide on any alert level changes, as 33 new community cases were announced - all of which were in Auckland.

It is the highest number of daily cases in several days.

The total number of cases in this community outbreak is 955.

For more information visit covid19.govt.nz.