By RNZ
Aucklanders will learn tomorrow whether tougher alert level restrictions will stay put, or if they will have more freedom to gather, but a public health expert is urging officials to keep the city at current alert levels for now.
Compared to the rest of the country's alert level 2 status, Auckland has been at a tailor-made "alert level 2.5" since August 31, as a step down from level 3 restrictions. It limits the amount of people allowed at gatherings to no more than 10, while outside of Auckland gatherings of up to 100 are allowed.
. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said if a change is made it will take effect from 11.59pm on Wednesday September 16.
The strict controls on Aucklanders are an attempt to try to slow a community outbreak of Covid-19 that has now infected 176 people. Two new cases of Covid-19 were announced today, one is an isolated international arrival, and the other is a health worker at the Jet Park quarantine facility where infected members of the Auckland cluster are being cared for.