Parts of the Waikato region have moved to alert level 3 for at least five days after community cases of Covid-19 were found in Hamilton east and Raglan. Residents in the affected areas who are symptomatic should self-isolate and seek a test. Waikato DHB advised there has been a strong response to calls for people in Hamilton with symptoms to get tested.
The city of Hamilton and towns of Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Ngāruawāhia and Huntly moved to alert level 3 at 11.59pm on Sunday. The exact alert level boundary map has now been published on the Covid-19 website. Police will be conducting “spot checks” on people trying to travel in and out of the Waikato areas at alert level 3. The first locations of interest in the Waikato outbreak have been revealed after two people tested positive for Covid-19. New locations of interest outside of Auckland include McDonald’s Taupiri, BP Raglan and Supervalue Raglan. For more information visit https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19/covid-19-contact-tracing-locations-interest
The shift in alert levels for the area was announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at a media conference at 1pm on Sunday, one day before Cabinet was set to consider whether to extend or change the alert settings for Auckland and the rest of New Zealand.
Auckland remains at alert level 3, which means people can only travel in and out of the region for essential purposes if they have an exemption. Police are staffing roads to the north and south of the region to ensure people comply with the border restrictions. The southern boundaries extend into the north Waikato, encompassing towns such as Pōkeno and Pukekawa. The Auckland region boundary extends north to communities just south of Mangawhai, which are also considered part of Auckland.
Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice if you:
- have symptoms of COVID-19
- have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
If you test positive for COVID-19 you must stay isolated and follow the advice from health officials.
At a press conference on Monday, PM Jacinda Ardern advised that Auckland will remain at alert level 3, but some restrictions would be eased for the region. From Wednesday morning, outdoor picnics will be permitted for example and up to two households (with a limit of 10 people max.) will be able to meet outdoors, with careful precautions such as wearing facemasks.
For more information and updates visit https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/
