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 twelve confirmed cases of COVID-19. For a summary of the current status see our media release (17 March) and our update about the twelfth case.
With continued vigilance the chance of widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low.
New border measures are in place as of Monday 16 March. Most travellers arriving in New Zealand are now required to self isolate for 14 days – check our information for travellers arriving to New Zealand to find out more.
If you have been overseas within the last 14 days and develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath, 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:
17 March:
- Information for disabled people or people who need support for daily life and their family/whānau
- Information for residential care providers
- Updated Advice to airline crew on the use of personal protective equipment
- Updated Self-isolation information
16 March:
15 March:
- Updated staying at home (self-isolation) information
- Updated resources for health professionals
- Updated countries and areas of concern page to reflect updated border control measures
13 March:
- Updated Questions and answers for primary health care workers (new question on who not to swab)
- New information sheets added: Information on tikanga and gatherings, Cultural/religious practices, looking after your mental wellbeing.
12 March:
- Updated information for Aged Care Providers
- COVID-19: Aeromedical transfer of patients - advice document
- Updated Transmission of COVID-19 and the role of face masks in health settings document
- Updated advice on clinical coding
- Updated primary care quick reference guide
- Information in Indonesian and Tuvaluan
- Update to the Countries and areas of concern – the whole of Italy is now in category 1b
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