This section provides the latest updates, information and advice on COVID-19.
Current situation
There are 13 new cases of COVID-19 today.
As is our usual protocol we are tracing all close and casual contacts of these cases, and getting them tested for COVID-19. All close contacts will remain in self-isolation for 14 days, and all casual contacts will remain in self isolation until they have returned a negative test.
There are now 49 active cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. See our current cases page.
Alert levels
Until 11.59 pm Wednesday 26 August the Auckland region (Auckland Council area) is at Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2. Find out more on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
Where to get a test for COVID-19 in Auckland
If you have symptoms you can:
- get a test at most GPs – call ahead to find out if you need a test and follow their advice
- get a test at a Community Testing Centre – this list will continue to be updated.
People in other regions can check their local district health board website to find out about testing in their area.
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.
NZ COVID Tracer app
The official Ministry of Health contact tracing app helps you keep a digital diary of the places you’ve been.
- Advice for all health professionals
- Allied health professionals
- Āwhina app
- Cancer and screening services
- Case definition and testing guidance
- Funded temporary accommodation
- Health sector providers
- Join the COVID-19 surge workforce
- Maternity
- Medical transfer
- Mental health and addiction
- PPE use in health care
- Pharmacy
- Primary care
- Recording COVID-19
- Telehealth and online tools
- Well Child providers
- Current cases
- Border controls
- Epidemic Notice and Orders
- Health and disability services at Alert Level 2
- Health and disability services at Alert Level 3
- COVID-19 modelling reports and background papers
- COVID-19 Elimination Strategy for NZ
- COVID-19 Surveillance plan and testing strategy
- PHU Contact Tracing "Deep Dive": Rapid reports
Latest updates
Our advice is under active review and is updated regularly. The latest updates include the following changes to the website:
14 August:
- Updated: Epidemic notice and Orders
- Added: Usage data for the NZ COVID Tracer app
- Updated: Aged care providers
- Updated: Information for pregnant women, and those who have recently given birth
- Added: Occupational health guidance for vulnerable community-based self-employed midwives
- Updated: Recommendations on handling of the whenua/placenta for COVID confirmed or probable women
- Updated: Information for community-based midwives
- Updated: Health and disability services at Alert Level 2 and Alert Level 3
- Updated: Guidance on personal protective equipment use in health and disability care settings at Alert Level 2 and 3
- Updated: Frequently asked questions about PPE and COVID-19
- Updated: Assessment and testing for COVID-19
- Added: COVID-19 situation reports: January to May 2020
13 August:
- Updated: Guidance for Well Child Tamariki Ora providers at Alert Level 2 and 3
- Updated: Guidance for disability support services at Alert Level 2 and 3
- Updated: Testing guidance for COVID-19
12 August:
- Added: Health and disability services at Alert Level 2 and Alert Level 3
- Updated: Cancer and COVID-19
- Updated: Use of masks in the community
- Updated: Aged care providers
7 August:
- Updated: Assessment and testing
- Added: How COVID-19 testing works
- Added: COVID-19 test results and their accuracy
- Added: COVID-19: What we know about infection and immunity
- Updated: Case definition and testing guidance for COVID-19
- Updated: Cleaning information
- Updated: Aviation sector