Wellington's celebrity cat Mittens has been banned from the managed isolation facility over fears he might accidentally spread the virus.
The Turkish angora is an icon of the capital with a massive fanbase following his travels as he makes himself at home in shops, cafes and even peoples' cars.
But there is one place he isn't welcome - Wellington's isolation facility. RNZ reports the feline gets "stopped at the gate" to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
Under level 3, owner Silvio Bruinsma says people weren't allowed to give him any pats when he went roaming, according to RNZ.
With Wellington back down to level 2 now, he told RNZ Mittens has many places to go to get attention - as long as he stays out of the managed isolation facility.
That's good news for the cat, whose movements kept the public's spirits up during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In May, he was awarded the keys to the city.
"It's a great community story at a time when Wellington needs it most, and reflects the positivity he has brought to the people he encounters on his adventures," Bruinsma said at the time.
"Mittens has captured the heart of the city and kept smiles on the faces of many of his fans during lockdown."
In July, he was acknowledged as part of the Mihi Project - an art installation which projects the names of those who have helped through the pandemic onto a wall of Te Papa.
People from across the world commented on his dedicated Facebook page that news of Mittens' adventures had helped them through their own countries' lockdowns.
"Mittens - you helped me through lockdown in Scotland. Thank you for making the world a fluffier (and better) place!" wrote one woman.
And just this month came news he had been nominated for New Zealander of the Year - sparking a wave of headlines from around the world.
