There were 13 new cases announced today, the current alert levels were extended for three days and the hunt for the source of the current outbreak continues. See how the day unfolded with RNZ's live blog.
Photo: AFP
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this evening revealed that level 3 restrictions would continue in Auckland - and level 2 restrictions across the rest of New Zealand - for a further 12 days, ending at 11.59pm on 26 August.
The government also confirmed that the wage subsidy would be extended to cover the next 12 days.
- If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre
Meanwhile, Health Minister Chris Hipkins said it would now mandatory for all frontline border staff to be tested for the coronavirus.
There were 12 new cases and one probable case of Covid-19 in Auckland and Waikato today, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield revealed at today's daily briefing, and two more schools and a preschool in Auckland have closed, after a student in each tested positive.
The schools are Glamorgan School on the North Shore and South Auckland's Southern Cross campus, and Taeaofou I Puaseisei Preschool, but the Ministry of Health had apologise after it incorrectly named another Auckland school as being linked to the new cluster of Covid-19 cases.
It was also revealed two travellers who spent time in New Zealand have subsequently tested positive for Covid-19, and a record number of tests were carried out.
See how the day unfolded with RNZ's live blog: