Covid update: 21 new community cases

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced 21 new community cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today

Staff reporter 

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced there are 21 new community cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today.

All of the new cases are in the Auckland region, director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said at a media briefing this afternoon. 

There is also one additional case which is yet to be classified as either a community case or a border case.

Numbers were “moving in the right direction” which was reassuring, Ashley said. 

More than 66,000 vaccines were delivered yesterday, Ashley said, thanking everyone who “rolled up their sleeves” to help keep the community safe. 

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern also urged Kiwis to get vaccinated, saying they could book in at the Book My Vaccine website or via their GP.

Most of New Zealand (all except the Auckland region) will move to alert level two at 11.59pm tonight. 

“We have had to create a stronger alert level two,” the PM said. 

“The major change is you must wear a mask inside any retail business.”

Masks are not a requirement at places it would be “impractical”, like hospitality businesses or bars, she said.

Find more information about alert level two here.