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.
Regional exemptions at Alert Level 3
The Auckland city "border" is currently closed. Some exemptions will be allowed. For more information, including how to apply, see advice for travellers.
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:
15 August:
- Updated: Advice for travellers
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