There are two new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today. The numbers come as PM Jacinda Ardern thanked Aucklanders, who come out of lockdown tonight - but also urged them to "keep going" and do their part to keep the virus contained.
Incorrect messaging telling people in West and South Auckland to get tested even if they don't have symptoms has resulted in people queuing up at testing stations today.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said she is angry about the "important message" which was published online at about 5pm yesterday.
"If you're in South or West Auckland, or if you have a greater risk of poor health outcomes if you were to get Covid-19, even if you don't have symptoms, please have a test," said the messaging.
We understand there was some concern over the request for those without symptoms in South and West Auckland to be tested for COVID-19. To avoid confusion, we’ve removed the post. pic.twitter.com/n1Z2XAfCZO
However, at today's press conference the Prime Minister was quick to say that wasn't the case and it was only people who were showing symptoms that should be tested.
"We are not asking 700,000 people to get a test," she said.
"It's a mistake."
Ardern said not all communications are signed off by her.
She said it "has to be the case" that such mistakes don't happen again, and she will be working with the All of Government department to fix the issue.
"We just can't afford to have messages likes this go out," Ardern said.
The post on social media sites have since been removed.
Only get tested if you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID. You do not need to get tested just because you live in West or South Auckland and don't have symptoms. Will be grateful if we can all share this message. pic.twitter.com/3jr3aGObws
Ardern said her expectations were "clear" and she had asked the All of Government team to correct the information this morning.
However, requests by the Herald for clarification sent this morning since 8.24am did not receive a reply until 1.39pm.
That mistake resulted in queues of cars snaking out from a Covid-19 testing site in Massey West Auckland.
But Ardern said it had not been reported to her that testing sites have been overloaded.
A witness at a testing station in Massey, said cars were around the corner stretching onto Triangle Rd soon after the station opened at 8am today.
A busy morning at the Covid 19 testing station at the Massey community hub. Photo / Alex Burton
Another witness told the Herald the testing station was a lot busier than it was yesterday and the majority of people were wearing face masks.
Testing will continue until 4pm as Auckland prepares to go into level 2 lockdown tomorrow.
Similar queues were seen at a New Lynn testing station where motorists said there were dozens of cars, and it was taking about an hour to get to the front of the queue.
Many West Aucklanders have taken to community groups on Facebook to express their anger. Some residents said on social media they were glad they "ignored" last night's message.
Health New Lynn said they could not say whether lines were still long or not after today's 1pm announcement and clarification about testing.
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An All-of-Government spokesman said widespread testing remained a critical part of eliminating Covid-19 in communities here.
"Our response to the latest cases in Auckland over the last weeks shows that testing plays a crucial part of our response, especially for those who have been in contact with any confirmed or probable cases," he said.
"We've seen from this resurgence that a number of workplaces and other social and religious venues have been affected.
"That's why we are encouraging people located in South or West Auckland who have either been in contact with a confirmed or probable case, or has been at one of the workplaces or religious venues, to get tested, even if they don't have symptoms."
Those who have greater risk of poor health outcomes if they were to get the virus are also encouraged to get tested.
"If in doubt, it's best to get a test. Our ability to stop this virus comes down to ensuring we track it and contain it before it spreads further," the spokesman added.
