Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced this afternoon that New Zealand would stay in Level lockdown until at least midnight Friday, 27 August.
Auckland will remain in lockdown until Tuesday, 31 August.
The decision is to allow additional data on the containment of the outbreak would be.
Tests from wastewater results will assist cabinet in decision making when it meets this Friday where it will review the situation.
As for Auckland, the prime minister said level four had to be at least a 14-day cycle.
The decision on Auckland’s lockdown will be reviewed on Monday next week.
Ardern said health officials are confident that New Zealand will get on top of the virus again.
“We just need to keep it up, ensure we are not in restrictions any longer than we need to be.”
She urged people to stay home, other than for essentials and to wear a mask.
“To leave level 4 we need to follow these rules closely.”
She said to people who may be a contact to isolate and get others to do your shopping.
“If you need support, please ask for it.”
She also urged people to get vaccinated.
“We are building a picture of the Delta spread.”
Ardern said re-testing of all staff at Crowne Plaza and the Jet Park facility had revealed no new clues as to how the virus got into the community.
Ardern said 108,000 tests had been taken in Auckland alone, a good representative sample. She thanked people for their perseverance in being tested.
Waste water testing had returned positive only in Auckland and Wellington.
“With Delta more certainty is needed.”
Ardern held up a map of the places contacts had travelled to with several in the South Island.
Ardern said there were more than 100 contacts in the South Island, as far as was known.
She said almost 8000 people left Auckland during the 48-hour window to get home after the lockdown was announced.
It is now compulsory to scan the QR code when entering supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations.
Also, as a reminder, it is mandatory for masks to be worn by anyone aged over 12 when visiting shops, petrol stations, pharmacies and other essential services. Staff in these places will also be required to wear a mask.
Mask wearing is mandatory for bus terminals and in taxis as well.
