This section provides the latest updates, information and advice on COVID-19.
Current situation
Omicron variant
We’re aware of the new B.1.1.529 strain which the World Health Organization have identified as a variant of concern and given the name Omicron. Health officials are currently assessing the latest international information and will advise on any potential impacts for New Zealand, noting that we remain in a good position to minimise the impact of any new variants with isolation and routine testing of international arrivals.
Read more at About the Omicron variant.
Vaccination
New Zealand’s vaccination rate has reached 93 percent for first doses and 88 percent for second doses. Find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
COVID-19 cases
There are active cases of COVID-19 in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, Lakes, MidCentral, Nelson-Marlborough, Northland, Waikato, Taranaki and Whanganui. Anyone who returns a positive COVID-19 test is required to remain isolated or quarantined as directed (see Section 70).
See more on our Current cases page and in the latest News and media updates.
Locations of interest
View the locations of interest and advice on what to do on our contact tracing locations of interest page.
Testing
View the latest information about COVID-19 testing on the Unite Against COVID-19 website. Find testing locations: in Auckland or nationwide.
Traffic lights
New Zealand has moved to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights).
Parts of the North Island are at Red or Orange, and the whole South Island is at Orange.
COVID-19 vaccines
We've secured enough COVID-19 vaccines for everyone in New Zealand.
- 5 December: Two DHBs hit 90% first doses for Māori; 106 community cases; 77 people in hospital, 7 in ICU
- 4 December: Three Auckland Metro DHBs hit 90% first doses for Pacific people; 98 community cases; 73 people in hospital, 7 in ICU
- 3 December: 90% of Waitematā and Canterbury residents double-dosed; 92 community cases; 79 people in hospital, 9 in ICU
- 3 December: COVID-19 update
- 2 December 2021: Three COVID-19 cases in Taranaki confirmed
Latest updates
Our advice is under active review and is updated regularly. The latest updates include the following changes to the website.
3 December
- Guidance for providers of supports for older people in the community
- Information for family, whānau, and āiga carers
- Interim guide for PPE selection to protect primary and community health and disability care workers
2 December
- Aged Residential Care guidance for operation under the COVID-19 Response Framework
- Older people, their family and whānau
- Supporting a person with dementia at home
1 December
- Funeral directors, religious and faith-based leaders
- Well Child Tamariki Ora providers
- Information for community-based midwives
- Rapid antigen testing
30 November
29 November