COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

Current situation

Read the latest weekly updates on COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 trends and insights.

Isolation and testing

• If you develop COVID-19 symptoms get tested immediately. 
• Only people who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for seven days.
• Household contacts are recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RAT) every day for five days and avoid contact with the person who has had COVID-19 and vulnerable people.

Face masks

• Masks are required when visiting healthcare facilities like hospitals, GPs, pharmacies and aged residential care facilities.
• Some places like workplaces or a marae may ask people to wear a mask.
• Masks are strongly recommended for household contacts when leaving home.
• Read guidance on face masks for the public and for health and disability care workers.

COVID-19 medicines

• Anti-viral medicines are available for free to any New Zealander 65 and over who tests positive for COVID-19.
• For Māori and Pacific peoples, these medicines are available for free to anyone aged 50 and over.
• In addition, anyone with three high-risk conditions is eligible for free anti-viral medicines. Read about eligibility for COVID medicines.

COVID-19 vaccination

• All remaining Government vaccine mandates have ended. 
• Some employers may still require workers to be vaccinated due to their responsibilities under health and safety legislation.
• To keep your immunity levels high, stay up to date with your vaccinations. This will lower your chances of getting very sick from COVID-19 and ending up in hospital.

International travellers

• Travellers to New Zealand are encouraged to undertake a RAT if they have any COVID symptoms. If they test positive, they must isolate for 7 days. Travellers who arrived by air are also asked to report their result and undertake a PCR test.

Read more at: Unite against COVID-19.