Once again, New Zealand has recorded no new cases of COVID-19.
That means the country now hasn't seen a case in a week, keeping our overall total of confirmed and probable cases at 1504. Only one known active case remains across the entire country.
No one else has died and we have no one receiving hospital-level care for the illness.
On Thursday, 4162 tests were completed, taking the total to date to 275,852.
There have been 446,000 COVID Tracer App registrations, with 10,000 in the last 24 hours. The Ministry of Health says downloading the application with help officials identify, trace, test and isolate any COVID-19 cases.
As of Friday morning, the Ministry says 19,530 posters with unique QR codes had been put up by businesses.
At midday, changes to the number of people allowed at a social gathering came into effect. Previously under alert level 2, there was a limit of ten on most gatherings. However, this has now been extended to 100.
The person in charge of the gathering should ensure records are kept in case contact tracing needs to occur, unless every person in the group knows each other.
The three 'S' rule continues to apply in hospitality settings. This means establishments must have customers seated, served by a single person and separated. Bookings can now be larger than ten people, however.
The Ministry says the use of face masks can help reduce the spread of the illness if used correctly and in the right context. They are recommended in environments where there is a higher chance of exposure. This could include within a healthcare setting or for those involved in border management.
"Based on our current COVID-19 context, for most people in the community the advice remains unchanged - healthy people in the community are not required to wear a face mask for protection from COVID-19 in New Zealand.
"Healthy members of the public may choose to purchase and wear a face mask, or make their own. We encourage them to use their face mask safely, as there are risks associated with incorrect use of all types of face masks."
Basic hygiene measures should still be followed, such as washing hands, coughing into your elbow, avoiding touching your face, and cleaning surfaces often. People who feel unwell should stay at home. Physical distancing is still encouraged.
