Coronavirus: NZ to remain at alert level 2, while Auckland, Northland and Waikato remain at level 3

The Prime Minister has revealed Auckland, Northland and parts of Waikato (Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Ngaruawahia, Hamilton city, Huntly, Te Kuiti, Waipa, Ōtorohanga, Te Awamutu, Karapiro and Cambridge) will remain at alert level 3.

Northland and Waikato will move to alert level 2 at 11.59pm on Thursday 14 October.

The rest of New Zealand will remain at alert level 2.

The alert levels will be reviewed again next Monday 18 October.

Last week Jacinda Ardern promised a three-step plan to end Covid restrictions in Auckland.

People are now able to connect with loved ones OUTDOORS, with no more than two households at a time, up to a maximum of 10 people; early childhood education will return for all; and people can move around Auckland for recreation such as beach visits and hunting.

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The second step will allow more retail to open, under a hybrid level 2. While the final step would be similar to what is currently known as "delta level 2".

Cabinet met this afternoon to decide on any alert level changes, as 35 new community cases were announced.

The total number of cases in this community outbreak is 1,622.

For more information visit covid19.govt.nz.