Coronavirus: Prime Minister reveals how many people have breached alert level 3 restrictions

There have been 81 breaches of New Zealand's COVID-19 alert level 3 restrictions in the past day alone, the Prime Minister has revealed.

In total, there have been 185 breaches of both the Civil Defence Emergency Management and Health Acts in New Zealand since alert level 3 started on Tuesday.

During alert level 4, there were 5857 breaches.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters on Thursday there would be ongoing police patrols and urged New Zealanders to report anyone breaking the rules.

Of the alert level 3 breaches, 46 people have been prosecuted, 119 were warned, and 20 referred to Youth Aid, Ardern said.

At a press conference, she urged New Zealanders not to take their "foot off the pedal".

"The last thing we can afford is a spike in cases," she said.

"We still do have cases that are coming through so now is not the time to loosen up our compliance."

Earlier in the briefing, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield announced three new cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. There were no additional deaths linked to the virus, he said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield. Photo credit: Getty

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has said officers will continue to be visible during alert level 3.

"As with alert level 4, police will not hesitate to take enforcement action, either through warnings or arrests, for any serious or persistent breaches," he said on Tuesday.