Coronavirus: Waikato to move to alert level 2

The Prime Minister has revealed parts of Waikato (Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Ngaruawahia, Hamilton city, Huntly, Te Kuiti, Waipa, Ōtorohanga, Te Awamutu, Karapiro and Cambridge) will move to alert level 2 at 11.59pm tomorrow (Tuesday 16 November).

Level 2 means hairdressers, retail, malls, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and other public spaces can open. All require physical distancing, mandatory scanning and face masks are compulsory.

Masks could be removed at bars and restaurants, for eating and drinking. However, staff would have to wear masks.

At alert level 2, you can travel anywhere in New Zealand that is also at alert level 1 or 2.

The rest of New Zealand will remain at alert level 2, while Auckland will remain at alert level 3 step 2.

The alert levels will be reviewed again on Monday 22 November.

Ardern previously promised a three-step plan to end Covid restrictions in Auckland.

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Prior to moving to the traffic light system, Cabinet would still be looking at the "step downs" before hitting the 90 per cent vaccination target.

The final step would be similar to what is currently known as "delta level 2".

Cabinet met this afternoon to decide on any alert level changes, as 173 new cases were reported today.

For more information visit covid19.govt.nz.