This section provides the latest updates, information and advice on COVID-19.
Current situation
Case numbers
There are 3 new cases of COVID-19 today, 18 October 2020. There are now 42 active cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. See our Current cases page and the latest News and media updates.
Alert Levels
All of New Zealand is at Alert Level 1. Find out more on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
While it is not mandatory to wear a mask on public transport during Alert Level 1, it is encouraged.
All of New Zealand should continue to do the following:
- sign into places, using the NZ COVID Tracer app or keep a record
- maintain good hygiene practices
- stay home if you’re unwell and get a test.
New sections on this site
Due to the popularity of the case data and requests for information on how the government is managing the response to COVID-19 we’ve reorganised some of the content into two new sections — Data and statistics and Response planning. This change is part of our ongoing work to improve our web content on COVID-19. Feedback welcome at [email protected].
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.
Latest updates
Our advice is under active review and is updated regularly. The latest updates include the following changes to the website:
12 October:
- Updated: Assessment and testing for COVID-19
8 October:
- Added: COVID-19 in Health Care and Support Workers in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Updated: COVID Tracer App usage data
- Updated: Screening form for a person to enter an aged residential care facility
7 October:
- Updated: Testing rates for ethnicity and DHB