Fifteen more people have been reported as recovered from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, meaning 83% (1229) of New Zealand’s reported cases have now recovered.

One of those was in the Southern District Health Board area where there are now just 13 active cases. The total number of recovered cases in the SDHB area is 201, of the total 216 cases, with two having died.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield reported two new cases in New Zealand today. They were one confirmed case, currently in quarantine after returning on an overseas flight, and one probable case with close contact to an existing case.

Six people are in hospital, none of them in intensive care.

The total number of confirmed cases in New Zealand to date is 1126, with another 348 classified as probable cases.

Globally, the World Health Organisation reports there have been 2,954,222 confirmed cases, 76,026 in the previous 24 hours. There have been 202,597 COVID-19 deaths reported, 3932 in the previous 24 hours.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today reminded New Zealanders not to let their guard down in Level 3, saying it only takes one infected person to potentially affect many.

She and Dr Bloomfield both reiterated the importance of staying home as much as possible, but, when out maintaining physical distance, good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette, and not going out if you are unwell.

Behaviour during the first two days at Level 3 behaviour had been good for the most part but Dr Bloomfield said there had been some instances, such as the rush on fast food outlets, where physical distancing had not been maintained.

Ms Ardern said police had dealt with 104 breaches of the Level 3 restrictions in the first 24 hours, but most of those were dealt with by way of warnings. In addition, there had been 742 complaints of businesses not complying with Level 3 rules and most of those also related to a lack of physical distancing. Those complaints would be investigated, she said.

Schools also opened for the first time today. Nationwide, there were 7713 children attending early learning centres (about 4% of the usual attendance) and 11,846 at school (1% of usual attendance).

Ms Ardern thanked parents who continued to keep their children at home and were engaging in distance learning which, she acknowledged, was difficult, especially for those who were also trying to work from home.