New Zealand declares national state of emergency over Covid-19

New Zealand has declared a state of national emergency over the Covid-19 outbreak as cases continue to rise.

The National Emergency Management Agency announced that anyone "not working in essential services must stay at home and stop all interactions with others outside of your household."

Essential services will continue, including food and healthcare shops, however schools will close and all public events are banned. Public transport and domestic flights will be restricted to those working in essential services.