The Ministry of Health has reported only nine cases of COVID-19 still remain active in the Southern region out of the 216 cases originally reported: 205 have recovered and two are deceased.

New Zealand’s total number of confirmed cases today (Sunday May 3) is 1,136 - marking an increase of only two new cases since yesterday.

Both of today’s cases can be linked to the St Margaret’s Hospital & Rest Home cluster in Auckland. Both cases are household contacts of an employee at the rest home.

The nationwide total of confirmed and probable cases is 1,487 and 85 per cent of all cases are now considered recovered.

There are no additional deaths to report.

The total number of complete tests to date exceeds 150,000.

There are eight people in hospital, none in ICU.

The director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said today’s small increase in cases is encouraging “but we can’t take them for granted”.

"It’s crucial that all New Zealanders stay vigilant and follow the guidelines of physical distancing, keeping to our bubbles, practicing good hand hygiene and if you’re unwell, staying away from others and seeking medical advice," he said. 

"We’re now nearly a week into level three and while there could be some excuses early on, everyone should now be more familiar with the rules, both around increased retail activity and our own social interactions.

“It’s been concerning to see some behaviours continue into the weekend and ultimately, this could slow a move to level two,” he said.

He reminded business operators in particular to maintain the physical distancing measures, keeping at least one metre between workers and two metres from customers or the public.

“Continuing to be vigilant will be key in supporting a move down to level two as soon as possible,” Ashley said.

PHOTO: RNZ