Three community cases of Covid-19 have been identified in Wellington today (Friday August 20), as well as an additional eight in Auckland. 

The Wellington cases are the first to be identified outside of Auckland.

The total number of community cases in the country now sits at 31. 

“The three in Wellington had recently travelled to Auckland and visited a location of interest there,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

Nineteen cases are now confirmed as part of the Auckland outbreak, with the remaining 12 under investigation to confirm the linkage to the outbreak, the ministry said. 

“Initial assessment shows in most cases there is a plausible link.”

Public health officials are currently conducting interviews to establish how all new cases were infected and to determine further details of their movements. 

An announcement will be made this afternoon on the alert level settings, currently set at level four for the whole country.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce the decision at 3pm after a cabinet meeting.

PHOTO: Supplied