New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a four-level COVID-19 alert system and asked people to stop non-essential travel within the country.

"I understand that all of this rapid change creates anxiety, and uncertainty. Especially when it means changing how we live.

That's why today I am going to set out for you as clearly as possible, what you can expect as we continue to fight the virus together,” she said.

"It's important to note, that at every alert level supermarkets and essential services, like access to pharmaceuticals will continue. Shop normally. If we do that, our supermarkets will have time to restock their shelves."

The total number of cases in the country has risen to 53.

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