The Ministry of Health on Sunday reported nine new cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand, and no more deaths.
Skipping the usual 1pm press conference, the ministry released the latest pandemic figures on its website and in a written statement.
"As we prepare to move to alert level 3 on Tuesday morning, it's really important not to slacken off the effort," said Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
The nine new cases are four confirmed and five probably. All of them are linked to existing cases and clusters.
It's the highest number of daily new cases in a week.
"Nine cases highlights the need for everybody to maintain a high level of vigilance in level 4 and as we move to level 3," said Dr Bloomfield.
There have now been 1470 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. Of those, 1142 have recovered - up 24 from Saturday.
Seven remain in hospital, one in ICU in Middlemore - unchanged from Saturday.
There are still 16 known clusters, also unchanged.
The death toll remains at 18.
There were 5966 tests for the virus done on Saturday, bringing the total to date to 120,981.
Overseas, more than 203,000 people have lost their lives and millions have been infected.
