Upper Hauraki to move down alert levels

The upper Hauraki region has the all-clear to ease Covid lockdown restrictions over the weekend. The area found itself in level 4 lockdown on Monday after Covid-19 crossed the boundary south of Auckland on Sunday, with a household near the Firth of Thames contracting the virus. Four members of a household from Kaiaua/ Whakat¯ıwai tested positive for the virus after coming in contact with an infected man released on bail. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, speaking at yesterday’s press conference, said upper Hauraki would move down to alert level 2 at 11.59pm on Saturday. ‘‘We have had an incredible response from the upper Hauraki community with people getting tested, following the health advice and sticking to the alert level requirements,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘More than 1000 tests have been undertaken in the immediate area since Monday with the only positive results being from the original household.’’