There are no new cases of Covid-19 reported in the community outside of the three cases announced yesterday (Sunday February 14). 

The results of genomic sequencing for the first two Auckland February cases, which led to the government’s decision to raise the alert levels yesterday (February 14), have confirmed the more virulent COVID-19 variant B1.1.7, first detected in the UK.

ESR is now conducting a scan of the international genome database to see if there is a match.

An intensive source investigation around the latest cases continues, along with public health actions and alert level changes outlined yesterday, are designed to break any potential chains of transmission, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

Serology testing for the three positive cases and a close household contact is also now underway.

Investigations will continue today into the three community cases, including further interviews. As a result the number of locations of interest, as well as close and casual plus contacts, may change.

The priority is for close contacts and casual plus contacts to be tested so officials can understand any risk in the wider community.

There are a number of locations of interest for people who may be 'Casual Plus Contacts' or 'Casual Contacts' of Covid-19 cases in the community. While risk from these locations is most often low, contacts who attended one of the locations during the relevant timeframes are asked to follow the directions of health officials.

Find the latest information on locations of interest, and how to determine if you are a casual or close contact, here.

There are five cases of Covid-19 in managed isolation, one of which is historical. For formal reporting figures, the third community case is included in the Ministry of Health numbers today.

Auckland is at alert level 3 until midnight Wednesday (February 17), and the rest of New Zealand is at alert level 2.

Anyone wanting to travel between alert level 3 and alert level 2 regions needs to check whether they are eligible to travel. An exemption process is in place for businesses or work-related travel (contact MBIE), personal travel that is urgent, or you need to return to your home (contact Ministry of Health).

The Ministry reminded people it is critical to keep track of where you’ve been, and the Covid Tracer app is an easy way to do this. 

“Please continue to scan QR codes wherever you go and turn on Bluetooth tracing in the app dashboard if you haven’t already done so,” the statement said.

As always, if you are unwell with symptoms, take advice about getting tested before you head out – firstly by calling Healthline.

PHOTO: Supplied