Monday 1 November, 4pm
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the Waikato will move to step 2 of level 3 on Tuesday, November 2 at 11:59pm. Auckland will also move to step 2 of level 3, but one week later on Tuesday, November 9 at 11:59pm.
At step 2 of level 3:
- Retail stores will be open for customers.
- You can meet up with up to 25 people outdoors.
- Public facilities such as pools and zoos will open.
- Masks need to be worn in indoor settings or when you are in contact with other people.
- Continue to scan in and keep up hygiene practices.
The rest of the country will remain at alert level 2.
“Because of high vaccination rates in Auckland we can move forward with confidence,” says Jacinda Ardern.
Auckland is now less than 5,000 first doses away from reaching 90 percent of the eligible population having at least one vaccination. Ardern says this big effort is why Aucklanders will be able to enjoy some more freedoms.
While cases continue to rise, Ardern and Dr Ashley Bloomfield explained that due to high vaccination rates in Auckland, hospitalisation, especially serious ones relating to Covid-19, are “manageable”.
75 percent of New Zealand’s eligible population is now fully vaccinated. Ashley Bloomfiled says while 90 percent is a milestone, the efforts will not stop there.
Monday 1 November, 1pm
Today there are 162 new community cases of Covid-19 in the country. Of the new cases 156 are in Auckland, five are in Waikato and one is in Northland.
There are no new cases in Christchurch.
There is a press conference at 4pm today where Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce whether or not Tāmaki Makaurau or Waikato will have their restrictions changed. Both regions are currently at level 3, the rest of the country is at level 2.
Two Auckland high schools will temporarily close their doors again due to COVID-19 cases.
A statement on Macleans College's website says a support staff member has tested positive and students will be taught remotely on Monday and Tuesday. According to the statement the staff member was not in contact with any students.
Mt Albert Grammar School is also closed on Monday due to a COVID-19 case.
More than 3.1 million New Zealanders are now fully vaccinated, reports the Ministry of Health. This means New Zealand full vaccination rates have reached 75 percent, while Auckland is at 80 percent.
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