The move to alert level three will last at least a week, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.

At a media briefing today she confirmed all of the country south of Auckland would drop to level three from tomorrow night (Tuesday August 30) at 11.59pm.

The period of time spent at level three will be reviewed on September 6.

The decreases in new cases of Covid-19 outside households, in locations of interest, and in the ‘R value’ of cases (the number of other cases each case infects) were all encouraging signs, she said.

“Level four is making a difference,” the PM said.

Without a lockdown, there could have been around 550 new cases today, she said, referencing expert modelling.

Auckland and Northland will spend another two weeks in level four.

Jacinda said the public must continue to follow the rules at level three.

“Level three does not mean freedom,” she said, “it means caution, staying in your bubble, distance, contactless transactions.”

Under alert level three, people must stay within their household bubble whenever they are not at work or school. Children should only go to school if their parents are required to work and there are no other options available.

Once in alert level three people’s bubbles can expand to include close family, caregivers, and to support isolated people.

A full breakdown of alert level three can be found here.

PHOTO: Wanaka App

Welfare Assistance

The latest resurgence of Covid-19 may be challenging for many people in our community. It’s been an uncertain time and it’s OK to ask for help. 

Here is a list you can contact for support and assistance.