Northland and Waikato will remain in Alert Level 3 until at least 11.59pm on Thursday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday afternoon.
Having recorded 35 cases on Monday, Auckland is set to remain in Level 3 as it stands, with households still able to meet in an outdoor capacity. A decision to ease restrictions in the Auckland region will be made next Monday, October 18.
Ardern praised the efforts of Waikato residents who got vaccinated last week. The region has nearly reached 80 per cent with at least one dose, while 23,000 Covid-19 tests have been undertaken since the virus spread to the area just over a week ago.
However, health workers on the ground have asked the Government for more time, to ensure no embers of the virus remain.
Therefore, the region will remain in Alert Level 3 until 11.59pm on Thursday, with a decision on a potential reduction of alert levels to be announced on Wednesday.
In Northland, Ardern admitted it was an "incredibly frustrating situation", with the Covid-positive person that sparked the recent lockdown refusing to cooperate with officials and their associate unable to be located.
Ardern said only 1.1 per cent of Northland residents had received a test in the last 48 hours, and that number - and the vaccination rate - needs to rise significantly before the Government could look at making any changes to the alert levels.
Northland will also remain in Alert Level 3 until 11.59pm on Thursday, with a decision on a possible change to also be made on Wednesday.
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