Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins was also confident, comparing the new cases to the Northland community case in January. "We have managed cases like this before, that have popped up in the community, without having to change alert levels," he told media. The alert levels are due to expire at 11.59pm tonight - after two days of zero community cases, the latest two cases will be weighing on ministers' minds. Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said he "didn't want to get ahead of himself," when it comes to Cabinet's decision. "We're all very disappointed to hear that there are two more community cases."

Source: New Zealand Herald February 17, 2021 00:50 UTC