The New Zealand government has tonight announced there is community transmission of COVID-19 in New Zealand.
Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern said “After 102 days we have out first case outside managed isolation”.
There are four new cases in one family in South Auckland. There is no history of overseas travel. Close contacts are being contacted and tested, says Dr Bloomfield.
“As we did in the early days of the virus emerging, we need to stamp it out,” says Bloomfield.
He reminds the public to continue regular hand washing, practice safe coughing and sneezing, stay home if you are sick and social distance.
He also urges people to download the NZ Covid Tracer app to help with contact tracing.
“We cannot let this virus spread,” says Bloomfield.
Jacinda Ardern says she was advised of the cases at 4pm Tuesday 11th August.
More than one workplace is involved with the new community cases, says Ardern.
“We have not yet been able to determine the source of these cases. Therefore, we must take a precautionary approach,” says Ardern.
The new cases have increased the total number of those who have had COVID-19 to 1224.
Auckland to move to alert level 3
“We have a resurgence plan that we are now activating,” says Ardern.
As of 12 noon Wednesday 12 August, Auckland will be moving to alert level 3 for three days. The defined area is the Auckland super city boundary.
This means Aucklanders must stay in household bubbles when not at work, school, buying groceries or exercising.
Cafes and restaurants will remain open for contactless delivery and pickup.
Under level 3, people are asked to wear masks when accessing essential services, such as supermarkets and pharmacies.
Find out all rules for alert level 3.
Rest of New Zealand at alert level 2
The rest of the country will move to alert level 2 as of midday 12 August.
Testing will also ramp up across the country, with a focus on those connected to managed isolation facilities and people who are symptomatic.
What you can and can’t do under alert level 2.
The Village Palms Retirement Community in Shirley, Christchurch was shut down earlier today after residents began displaying symptoms of a respiratory illness. Later on, Brookhaven Retirement Village in Woolston has reportedly tested eight of its residents and put them in isolation after they displayed flu-like symptoms.
Want to know how to make your own hand sanitiser at home?
With the spread of COVID-19, stores around the world are quickly selling out of hand sanitiser. But fear not, if you can’t find it on the shelves, there are ways to make natural hand sanitiser at home.