From today pubs, clubs, gyms, cinemas and places of worship will all be closed.
Meanwhile health services in France believe there's a new symptom related to Covid-19, a loss of smell.
Several Auckland schools are closed after students and staff test positive for Covid-19 and Australia shuts down non-essential services.
Boris Johnson reminded people not to visit their mothers to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
The Government has now advised that everyone over the age of 70 should stay at home to limit their risk of contracting Covid-19.
The microbiologist says: "My plea to everyone is make the right choice."
There are certainly precedents in New Zealand’s politics for such a rapprochement, our columnist writes.
Dr Samantha Murton says the medical sector's seeing big changes amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Thom Giles and Bridget Prior were in the tourist hub of Cusco when the advice was given for Kiwis to return home.
Meanwhile, six of eight suspected Covid-19 cases in Samoa have come back negative, with two more pending.
In an open letter the council is urging the PM to raise the coronavirus alert level from two to four.
The creator of the video Olmo Parenti says he himself was guilty of going about his daily business without considering the risk.
The four levels specify the public health and social measures to be taken. We currently sit at level two.
The jailed sexual predator reportedly contracted the virus at New York's Rikers Island facility, where 38 other cases have also been confirmed.
The closure affects all Event Cinemas, as well as the Embassy in Newmarket and Rialto in Dunedin.
Many businesses have had to shut their doors after unprecedented cancellations.
NZ Rugby is hoping its five franchises can play among themselves.
David Coombes took a shot at the Government as well.
Emergency services were called to a Woolston address this morning.
Tune in as Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield speaks.
Ministry of Health Director-General of Health Doctor Ashley Bloomfield gave the update today.
"I have offered the Prime Minister my full support during this crisis," Simon Bridges said
Most New Zealanders will be in effective self-isolation from Wednesday.
Tune in live as the Prime Minister gives her post-Cabinet meeting update.
Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 3, Piopio, Waitomo, about 6.40am.
Across the country listings remain low and for only the second time fewer than 11,000 houses have come onto the market in February.
It comes as the Covid-19 alert level was raised to three today, with it set to be raised to level 4.
"Our health system will be inundated, and tens of thousands New Zealanders will die, there is no easy way to say that," Ms Ardern said.
It comes after the alert system rose to three, and is soon to rise to four.
The Finance Minister said it is being looked at "to support people in this difficult time".
"We will get through this together, but only if we stick together," the PM said.
The microbiologist spoke to 1 NEWS after the Government announced the country would enter lockdown in 48 hours.
Get the latest information about the Government's coronavirus response.
The New Zealand telecommunications industry is currently working on a resolution.
It comes as many Kiwi's will be heading home to different parts of the country before they have to self-isolate.
Mr Bridges says all National MPs will help with the response.
It means the beloved Kiwi soap will still screen during the lockdown period.
The news comes after the Prime Minister's announcement today, raising the nation's Covid-19 alert level.
"We're giving the virus nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide," Professor Michael Baker says.
Passengers in wheelchairs or using a mobility device, or who require driver assistance, can use the front door.
Controller John Ombler gave an outline of key people in the response team to Covid-19.
When New Zealand enters Covid-19 alert level four, only essential businesses will be permitted to remain open.
Kaitaia, a gateway to the Far North, will be closed off by the community in response to the pandemic.
A rather bleak outlook is painted without a lockdown.
Pharmacist Annabel Turley told Seven Sharp customers will be checked to see if they're unwell before entering.
Auckland woman Jenene Crossan spoke to Seven Sharp about her battle with coronavirus.
This will help Kiwis with physical distancing and avoiding spreading coronavirus.
Seven Sharp's Laura Daniel has some helpful tips to avoid getting sick during the lockdown.
A man at Atawhai Assisi Home and Hospital was diagnosed with the illness yesterday afternoon.
