Police, seen here at a Karamu Rd checkpoint on Friday, say now's not the time to start breaking lockdown rules. Photo / Paul Taylor
While Hawke's Bay marked its fourth consecutive day of no new Covid-19 cases, health experts say community protection remains paramount.
The total number of cases in the region remained at 41 on Friday.
Inspector Dean Clifford said although most people are complying with the lockdown rules, some in Hawke's Bay are still flouting them.
Police set up a checkpoint on Karamu Rd on Friday, continuing to have a "high visibility" in the region, Clifford said.
"In terms of compliance, a few people receive warnings each day and a number who've previously been warned may find themselves prosecuted if they continue.
"We know there will be a level of confusion, lack of clarity and misunderstanding moving into level 3, as we experienced that when we moved into level 4.
"It took a while for that to settle."
Medical Officer of Health Nick Jones said of the 41 cases, 18 had recovered, while 2625 people have been swabbed for Covid-19 in Hawke's Bay to date.
Jones said community protection remained vital and testing of anyone showing symptoms was required.
"Essential workers should also be reassured they are eligible for essential worker leave support through Work and Income New Zealand if needing to stay home because of Covid-19."
Jones also said it was important to remind parents of children, particularly those under the age of 2, to make sure they received their immunisations on time.
"If you have a child who is due an immunisation, please do not delay this and contact your GP to discuss your child being immunised.
"Immunisations given on time provide the best protection against serious disease, like measles and whooping cough."
Childhood vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule are free to all children in New Zealand from the age of 6 weeks.