There are currently outbreaks overseas of a new disease called COVID-19. This section provides the latest updates, information and advice on COVID-19.
Current situation
New Zealand has five confirmed cases of COVID-19. See our latest media release for a summary of the current status.
With continued vigilance the chance of widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low.
People coming into New Zealand should check our information for travellers arriving to New Zealand as they may be subject to border controls or asked to self-isolate.
We’re also asking people who have visited countries or areas of concern and who have developed symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath to seek medical advice – phone Healthline’s dedicated COVID-19 number 0800 358 5453 or contact your GP, including phoning ahead of your visit.
For COVID-19 health advice and information, contact the Healthline team (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or +64 9 358 5453 for international SIMS.
Latest updates
Our advice is under active review and is updated regularly. The latest updates include the following changes to the website:
11 March:
- Updated questions and answers for primary health care workers
- Information on public events and mass gatherings in Tokelauan
10 March:
- Information on contact tracing for COVID-19 – includes the previously published factsheets for contacts of suspected or confirmed cases
- General public health advice updated in other languages
- Resources for the border sector now on a new page
9 March:
- Information sheets for the general public added
- Advice to border sector: COVID-19 becomes a quarantinable disease
8 March:
- Updated case definition
- Updated advice for health professionals
- New document on Transmission of COVID-19 and the role of face masks in health settings
7 March:
- Updated No Change of Health Status Report for Health Pratique form now available
- Paracetamol: Supply issue - update from PHARMAC
- Questions and answers updated with information for the immune-compromised
6 March:
- Advice for public events and mass gatherings factsheet available in te reo Māori, Samoan and Tongan
- Information for Aged Care Providers
- Welfare support factsheet available in Farsi, Italian, Korean, Japanese and Thai
- Information in Japanese and Thai
5 March:
4 March:
- COVID-19 - managing your mental wellbeing advice page