A positive case of COVID-19 has been identified in the community early this afternoon and is now under investigation.
We will provide further updates once additional information comes to hand.
The case is located in Auckland and a link between the case and the border or managed isolation is yet to be established.
The Auckland Regional Public Health unit is undertaking interviews with the case for contact tracing purposes. While we collect more specific information all New Zealanders are reminded of the basic public health measures of mask wearing and hand washing. In particular anyone in Auckland catching public transport this afternoon or who cannot socially distance in public spaces should wear a mask as a precaution.
Ministers will meet this afternoon once additional information is gathered to confirm a response. An update will be provided after that.
The Government has said a hard and early response is the best tool to stamp out any potential spread and everyone in New Zealand is asked to stay calm, be kind and play their part while we gather more information on the potential case.