As another 85 people have been confirmed with COVID-19 throughout New Zealand in the past 24 hours, the government has moved to give more clarity around what exercise activities should and shouldn’t be undertaken during the Level 4 lockdown.

There are now 368 people in New Zealand with confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection. Eight are in hospital, one of those in intensive care.

The World Health Organisation reported overnight there were now 462,684 confirmed cases worldwide (49,219 in the previous 24 hours). Globally there have been 20,834 deaths (2401 in the past 24 hours).

The New Zealand lock-down requires everyone not working in defined essential services to stay home but getting out for exercising and fresh air has been promoted, causing some uncertainty over just what that means.

At today’s briefing Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management Sarah Stuart-Black said there were two key messages to going out: stay local, within your bubble, and don’t put yourself in a situation where other might need to come and help you.

“Don’t do activities that will require putting others at risk. Remember, treat yourself as if ‘I have COVID-19, what do I do to limit absolute contact with other people?’,” she said.

“If that means you can go for a walk by walking outside of your front door, great. If you need to drive a short distance to get somewhere, that’s fine too. The challenge we have is when people might drive themselves to a place where, if they get into trouble, someone else will have to come to help them, which exposes more risk. So, we’re saying: just try and stay local if you can. If you’re able to walk the dog around the block it might not be the dog’s idea of a good time but actually, practically, that will work. You don’t have to get in a car and drive to do that.”

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said activities such as cycling were great but would potentially take people further from home than a walk. He urged people to exercise good judgment, particularly before undertaking any activity where rescue might be required should something go wrong. 

“Do continue to look after yourselves and your families. Do get some fresh air if you can and be physically active in your bubble. Look after yourselves, your loved ones and your community.”

Sarah Stuart-Black said, in general, people had been doing the right thing but more thought needed to go into staying home and saving lives.

“The better we do this, the sooner we can emerge from it… we have a critical window to save lives and make a huge difference to New Zealand’s future.”

“Hang in there. We know that these measures are the best thing we can do to break the chain of infection. We understand it places strain on you and your families and the sacrifices that you are making will save lives and for that we are all deeply grateful.”

Later in the day Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reiterated the need for people to stay local.

“The longer distance you take in your vehicle, the greater risk you present,” she said.

“Anyone who may have an accident, breakdown, get a flat tyre or any time you need to refuel your car, you present a risk to your community.”

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View the video on how to create and maintain your “bubble” below.

View today’s briefing in full below.