Auckland moving to alert level 3 on Wednesday means there'll be some change to what businesses and facilities can stay open.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield revealed on Tuesday night that Auckland would enter alert level 3 at midday following four COVID-19 cases being detected in the community.
Under alert level 3, supermarkets, dairies, and service stations remain open - like any other alert level.
Other businesses can open should they have no physical contact with customers - so food outlets can only open for delivery, drive-thru, and contactless pickup. Bars and restaurants without those capabilities should close.
Schools are also closed, except for those students whose parents are essential workers.
Aucklanders are also encouraged to work from home.
"Public venues should close; this includes libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms pools, playgrounds, and markets," Ardern said.
"Gatherings of up to 10 people can continue but only for wedding services, funerals, and tangihanga."
Those who are currently in Auckland and not from the region are urged to return home as soon as possible.
Level 2 restrictions
While Auckland is in alert level 3, the rest of the country will move to alert level 2 at the same time. This means businesses can remain open if they can do so safely, schools can remain open and can continue to connect with friends and family.
The main restriction under alert level 2 is gatherings - they're capped at 100.
Ardern said regions outside of Auckland moving to alert level 2 highlighted the Government was asking people to social distance and keep track of where they have been.
"Under alert level 3, you should continue to stay or reform your household bubbles whenever you are not at work or in school," she told reporters on Wednesday.
"We're asking that you don't invite over or allow social visitors such as friends, family, and whānau to enter into your home."
The Government will likely reassess the alert levels on Friday. Ardern said it's important Aucklanders maintain 2m physical distancing outside the home.
"You can do low-risk recreational activities in your local area; for instance, go for a walk, a run, a swim at the beach, or you can fish from a wharf."
Ardern reiterated all of the rules under the previous nationwide alert level 3 lockdown apply.
For the the full list of restrictions click here.
