Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins is urging residents to stay calm in the wake of the news today that there is a case of Covid-19 in the city.

The Dunedin case is a man in his 40s. Two other family members who also have symptoms are currently being tested and are in self-isolation. Test results were expected later today.

The case was one of three new ones nationally announced today.

The other cases are a father (in his 70s) and son (in his 30s) who are members of a Wellington family. It means that as of mid-afternoon there were 11 confirmed cases and two probable cases.

In a statement this afternoon Mr Hawkins said while it was "obviously a worrying time", he encouraged people to stay calm and "remember that a range of organisations, including the Dunedin City Council, have been preparing for this situation".

"The response to this announcement is being led by health authorities and the DCC will provide any support it can. This is a fast-changing situation and we are ready to step up our response if and when required."

He said the council urged people to continue to follow advice from the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies.

"The goal is to stop these isolated cases around the country becoming widespread community outbreaks.

"It’s more important than ever that we continue to look out for each other and check in on friends and family."