Auckland's Alert Level 3 extended, rest of NZ stays in Alert Level 2 for 12 days

Tonight PM Jacinda Ardern announced that Auckland will remain at Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand will stay at Alert Level 2 for 12 days.

That would mean the current settings will be in place for 14 days - or one full incubation period.

The current settings will remain until 11.59pm on August 26, but Cabinet will review the settings on August 21, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has just announced.

The Government will then reassess next week.

RELATED: Your guide to staying safe and healthy during COVID-19

"There is nothing to suggest we need to move to a level 4 lockdown at this stage."

She said the aim was to restore level 1 freedoms as quickly as possible.

What you can do now:

- Keep washing your hands thoroughly 

- Wear a mask or face covering when outside

- Keep a 2 metre distance when leaving the house, and around other people

- Use the COVID Tracing app- download here Apple and Android 

- Get tested if you have symptoms

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it had been 53 hours since Auckland was in level 3, while the rest of NZ was in level 2.

She said the aim was to restore level 1 freedoms as quickly as possible.

There are 29 cases linked to the cluster in Auckland, and one more case likely linked to the cluster.