There are 78 new cases of Covid-19, including 73 confirmed cases and five new probable cases, Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says. The new cases bring the total number of confirmed or probable infections to 283.
The Government has revealed the list of jobs and services deemed "essential" and, therefore, are not required to be in lockdown for the next four weeks.
The list includes border agencies, media, people in building and construction, courts staff and bank workers.
Some healthcare professionals are considered essential, as are people who work in public safety and local and national Government.
According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) essential businesses are those that support people and provide the necessities of life for everyone in New Zealand.
This means food, medicine, healthcare, energy, fuel, waste-removal, internet and financial support will continue to be available, MBIE said.
These businesses will continue working but will put in place alternative ways of working to keep employees safe, including shift-based working, staggered meal breaks, flexible leave arrangements and physical distancing.
Earlier this afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern moved New Zealand up to alert level 3 on the Covid-19 alert system.
That will be moved up to alert level 4 at 11.59pm on Wednesday night.
That means all non-essential businesses and services must shut their doors within the next 48 hours.
Speaking to media, Ardern said essential services included supermarkets, banks, GPs, pharmacies, service stations, couriers and other important frontline service providers.
"I understand that self-isolation is a daunting prospect," Ardern said.
Public transport will only be open to those working in essential services, for medical reasons, or to move essential goods – including ferry services between the North and South Island.
BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope said although businesses are required to close, it is reassuring that wage subsidies have been extended and that further work is underway on employee and business support.
What are essential businesses?
Accommodation:
• Accommodation services for essential workers and people who need to be isolated/quarantined
• Customs New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries
Building and construction:
• Building and construction related to essential services, critical infrastructure, or immediately needed to maintain human health and safety at home/work
