The Ministry of Health has confirmed New Zealand has recorded four new cases of community transmission.
As a precautionary measure, Auckland is entering into Alert Level 3 from midday on Wednesday for three days. The rest of the country goes to Alert Level 2.
Tuesday marked the 102 day since the last case of COVID-19 was acquired locally from an unknown source.
There are four cases all from one family in Auckland. The family has no history of international travel.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield has confirmed close contacts are being tested including work colleagues of those who have tested positive.
"If you are offered a test please take it," Dr Bloomfield urged Aucklanders.
"We have been saying for some weeks this was inevitable that New Zealand would get another case of community transmission. This is a tricky virus.
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"The health system is well prepared and the main thing now is that we stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community."
Bloomfield said there are several things all New Zealanders need to do now.
- go back to stringent hygiene e.g. washing hands regularly
- if unwell, stay at home and go to your GP and get a COVID-19 test
- physical distancing of two metres where possible
- consider wearing a mask in spaces where you can't physically distance
He also asked Kiwis to download the COVID Tracer App.
Jacinda Ardern asked New Zealanders to look after each other and to check on neighbours.
"We will get through this."
This is breaking news- more to come
