New Zealand will move to Level 3 on Monday 27th at 11:59pm

Today, Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand will move to level 3 of lockdown from Monday, 27th at 11.59pm- next Monday.

Ardern started her 4pm press conference by thinking of those who've lost a loved one, or almost lost a loved one, to Covid-19.

New Zealand will continue to stay at Alert Level 3 for two weeks from the 27th, after which the Government will then revisit the decision.

Alert level 3 still has many restrictions and does not allow more social activity though allowing more commerce to re-open.

Any businesses needing to prepare to move into level 3 could be accessed, she said, as could schools to prepare.

Ardern reminded the country of the principles of alert level 3:

- Stay home;

- Work and learn from home if you can;

- Make your business Covid-19 safe;

- Stay regional;

- Keep your bubble as small as possible;

- Wash your hands often with soap and cough into your elbow;

- If you're sick, stay home and get advice from a GP and do that quickly.

So this Anzac weekend, stay home and stay with your bubble and reflect on the sacrifices of our forebears, Ardern said.

Will schools be open at alert level 3?

Ardern said she still wanted the majority of children learning from home.

Early learning centres and schools will physically be open for up to Year 10 for families that need them.

"At-risk students and staff should also stay at home, and they will be supported to do so."

Tertiary education facilities may open for limited activities involving small stable groups of up to 10 people who do not change. Research and hands-on learning like trades courses that can't be done off campus can happen in small groups with appropriate physical distancing.

Can I get a takeaway meal?

Yes, you can get your favourite takeaway as long as you can place your order and pick it up without face-to-face contact.

For example, you can use your local KFC or McDonald's drive-through or order a curry through a delivery service.

What does extending your bubble mean?

Under alert level 3, you can add more people into your bubble but the mantra is "keep it exclusive and keep it small".

But, for example, if you have extended whānau, a caregiver that you need, children in shared care, a de facto partner who is caring for others, or you're a single person who wants the company of a sibling, you can relax your strict bubble - a little.

The Government says: "Always keep your bubble exclusive, and keep it small."

You'll also need to know exactly who's in your bubble so you can contact-trace in case there's an outbreak which affects you.

Are funerals and weddings allowed?

Funerals, tangi and weddings can go ahead under alert level 3 but will be restricted to no more than 10 people and you'll need to keep a list of who attended.

But you can't share a meal, food or a reception afterwards.

Can I go for a tramp?

You can go for an easy day walk but don't do anything too challenging which could put you in harm's way and stay physically distanced from others on the track.

You can also go mountain biking but, again, don't do anything too challenging where you could injure yourself or others.

Can I use my boat?

No - boating, yachting and any team sports or training aren't allowed.

READ MORE: What you can and can't do in Alert Level 3

NZ has done what few countries had managed to do and crush Covid-19 - we have a transmission rate of 0.48% - one of the lowest in the world, the PM explained.

READ MORE on the move to Level Three at nzherald.co.nz here.