The prime minister Jacinda Adern has today announced that face masks will be compulsory from and including this Thursday (19 November) when flying on commercial airlines anywhere in New Zealand.

Face masks will also be compulsory on all public transport from Thursday (19 November) in Auckland.

“We believe we need additional precautions in place” the prime minister said.

Masks will need to be worn on all public transport in Auckland and in and out of Auckland and on domestic flights throughout the country from this Thursday.

Children under the age of 12 will be exempt, as will people with certain medical conditions. 

A face covering helps stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, laughs, coughs or sneezes. This includes someone who has COVID-19 but feels well or has no obvious symptoms.