National News

National News is brought to you by a partnership between Crux and RNZ News 

New Zealand moves up alert levels: What you need to know

After more than 100 days New Zealand has four cases of Covid-19 outside of a managed isolation or a quarantine facility.

The four cases are from the same family-based in Auckland. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that Auckland will move to alert level 3 from midday Wednesday for three days - until midnight on Friday.

The rest of New Zealand is entering alert level 2 from midday Wednesday for three days, also until midnight on Friday.

Testing centres in Auckland will operate with more staff and longer hours in coming days and DHBs are also planning pop up clinics.

Alert level 3 restrictions for Auckland:

Stay at home in your bubble, other than essential movements such as going to the supermarket or local recreation. Aucklanders need to work from home unless they are essential workers. Schools and childcare facilities will close from Wednesday, except for the children of essential service workers. Bars, restaurants and businesses are to close by midday Wednesday. Gatherings of more than 10 people are restricted, this includes restrictions for funerals, tangi and weddings. Travel into Auckland is prohibited unless you normally live there and are travelling home. Anyone with flu-like symptoms is asked to get tested by contacting their GP or calling Healthline. All key services, including pharmacies and supermarkets remain open. Food delivery is available under level 3. Masks should be used where social distancing is difficult, for example on public transport.

Alert level 2 restrictions for the rest of the country:

Work and school can be attended with physical distancing. Wear masks if you can in public. No more than 100 people at gatherings, including weddings, birthdays, funerals and tangihanga. Businesses can open to the public if they are following public health guidance, which includes physical distancing and record keeping. People at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19, for example, those with underlying medical conditions and old people, are encouraged to take additional precautions when leaving home. Practice good hygiene - stay home if sick. Where to get help:

Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)

Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email [email protected]

What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)

Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)

Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254

Healthline: 0800 611 116

Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Advertise with Crux Advertise with Crux