There are 54 new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand, Ashley Bloomfield, the Director General of health has just announced: 32 are confirmed and 22 are probable. That brings the total to 1,160 coronavirus cases in New Zealand. There are 12 people in hospital, with four in ICU (in Wellington, Waitematā, Counties Manukau and Southern District). One person is in a critical condition.There is now confirmed community transmission of 2% but this number is likely to increase over the next few weeks. Yesterday there were 2,908 tests carried out. The total number of tests performed to date is 42,826.Bloomfield also spoke on the updated recommendations from the World Health Organisation on the use of masks. “The WHO doesn’t recommend the use of surgical masks by the general public, except in particular circumstances, [such as] where someone is sick and wearing a mask protects others, or someone is caring for a sick person and the mask can help them,” he said.On the numbers announced today, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, “for the moment we do appear at this moment to be on track”.

The total number of cases is now 868, up 71 from yesterday.The 71 cases are made up of 49 new confirmed cases and 22 new probable cases.There have been around 2,000 lab tests a day, with almost 30,000 tests conducted so far.Capacity is now 5,400 tests a day, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says.Bloomfield also announced that because Covid-19 was spread via the respiratory system, ambulance staff and paramedics would not perform CPR on any confirmed cases requiring resuscitation. This is based on guidelines adopted internationally. 

After two days of relatively low new case numbers, the count of coronavirus cases has hit a record for the highest number of cases in one day: 89.This brings the total number of cases to 797. The 89 new cases are made up of 76 confirmed cases and 13 probable cases. Ninety-two people have recovered, 13 people are in the hospital and two are in ICU.Fifty-one per cent of cases have links to overseas travel. Just one per cent are community transmission, but Director General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield, expects that number to rise.17 per cent of cases are still being investigated. Bloomfield says many of those are expected to be community transmission.There were 2,563 tests processed yesterday, making a total of 26,000 tests so far.

As we all work together over next four weeks to ‘break the chain’, the question arises: how will I keep myself distracted during this time? The easiest way might be to relax on the couch with a cup of tea and something good to watch. So here is some of the best stuff to watch on the box at the moment, no matter what your interests.FleabagAvailable on: Amazon PrimeThis fourth-wall breaking TV show has been getting a lot of buzz lately. Constantly switching between belly achingly funny and gut wrenchingly sad, it really knows how to play on your emotions. Starring and written by the incredibly talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the main character is only known as ‘fleabag’, and the show follows her navigating life in the throes of grief, and finds ways to deal with strained relationships with her future step-mother played by Olivia Colman. If you aren’t yet convinced, it has won an astounding number of awards, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.Dont F**k with CatsAvailable on: NetflixThis one is for all the true crime junkies out there. This series relays the story of murderer Luca Magnotta, a story that is equal parts fascinating and horrifying. This three-part documentary will take you from the beginning of Luca Magnotta's horrible acts, which he posted online, and which drove a group of amateur online sleuths to launch a risky manhunt. From there the story gets more and more twisted, until reaching its disturbing end. Be warned, this one is not for the weak-stomached.Russian DollAvailable on: NetflixEmmy-nominated actress Natasha Lyonne stars in this comedy-drama series as Nadia, a young woman on a journey to be the guest of honour at a party in New York City. But she gets caught in a mysterious loop as she repeatedly attends the same event and dies at the end of the night each time, only to awaken the next day unharmed as if nothing had happened. While she becomes increasingly frustrated at her situation, the show gets stranger and stranger. This one is a very funny mind bender.Black Mirror Available on: NetflixIf you are feeling a bit discouraged at the state of the world at the moment, just be thankful that you aren't living in an episode of Black Mirror. This futuristic British science fiction series focuses on a different story each episode, with the focus being on people's personal lives and how we are affected by technology. Some of them offer a bleak outlook on the future, but the show is so engaging it doesn't matter. Love is Blind Available on: NetflixIf reality T.V is your guilty, or even not-so-guilty pleasure, then you need to check out Love is Blind. It has all the best reality TV essentials: hot people, proposals after three days of knowing each other, and screaming arguments. Contestants in this experiment are challenged to find the love of their life based on personality alone, so they can only speak to each other without knowing what the other looks like. Plenty of drama to keep you entertained in isolation. Big Little Lies Available on: NeonAnother Emmy Award winning series, Big Little Lies has an impressive cast and intriguing story. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz, this show follows the lives of five suburban mothers who get tangled up in a murder investigation. Filled with stars, drama, lies, betrayal and intrigue and with an awesome soundtrack, this show will be more than enough to distract you from reality.

As of today, there's 657 cases of coronavirus in New Zealand, up 58 cases from yesterday’s count.Director General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield, said that while there had been a drop in the number of new cases, he didn't think that it reflected a drop in the number of transmissions. The expectation was still that the number of cases would continue to increase.74 people have recovered from the virus so far. 14 people are in hospital with COVID-19, 2 of whom are in the intensive care units but in a stable condition. Between one and two per cent of cases are due to community transmission.

Matakana Four Square is launching a delivery service to the wider Matakana Community while we are on Stage 4 lockdown. This will be a contactless service. ~ Order placed by 4pm for delivery the next day.~ $5 fee for pick and delivery (Orders over $200 free delivery)~ No liquor and tobacco (Unfortunately we cannot verify age through this process)~ Subject to stock availability - please remember that some items are proving difficult to get at the moment. ~ Payment to be credited to our account via online banking (We are hoping to have credit card payments available from Tuesday this week)~ Happy to deliver further out if we can get multiple orders for the same area, so tell your friends and neighbours.To order:Email your order to [email protected] by 4pm for next day delivery. Include your name, phone number, shopping list, address and whether you are open to substitutes (we will NOT call to inform of substitutes as this takes a lot of time).  We will then email you back with account details and the total amount. Please don’t call the shop. All orders and queries must be emailed through to the above address.We hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.Brad, Claire and the Team and Four Square Matakana.

In what is hopefully the final update on whether or not people are allowed to drive to beaches and parks, MP Mark Mitchell has offered some clarification.“I have just had a heartfelt apology from the Crisis Management Centre in relation to the conflicting information that has been in the public, over the last 48 hours and accepted the apology. They are working hard and still getting lines of communication sorted.” he said. The updated advice is that you are able to use a vehicle to access a local park or beach if you are unable to get there by foot or bicycle. It must be very local and not to be abused for across town type travel. Please remember to strictly apply the social distancing rules and use common sense.Police are imploring people to take the lock down seriously, and failure to so could incur a $4,000 fine or a three- to six-month jail term.

The Matakana App is stoked to release our new Volunteer Directory. Here you can browse Volunteering opportunities and list yourself as a volunteer.During these uncertain and hard times it's important that our community comes together and supports those in need.Check it out by following these steps. First open the app, then click on 'Community / Volunteer'.Then click 'Volunteer'You can now browse new Volunteering opportunities or click 'Volunteers' to browse local people willing to help. If you need help or wish to help others simply click Contact us, send through your name, contact details and a description.

On March 26, Auckland Council notified Waste Management’s resource consent and zone change application for the proposed landfill in the Dome Valley. This process gives 40 working days for interested people and organisations to make submissions on the plans.Those who stand against the landfill project are not happy, as they think this process should be held off until the country-wide lockdown is over. Only then will people have the opportunity to go to the library and view the documents. Submissions can also be accessed online, but those with no Internet access will have no way of viewing them until the libraries re-open. Principal project lead, Warwick Pascoe, said that Council was working to see what could be done to make sure everyone had access to all the information. He added that a statement would be released later.Documents can be provided electronically by contacting Council on 09 365 3786 or emailing [email protected] the application documents can be found online click here

The Warkworth Lions are doing their part for the community during this trying time. From 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. each day, they will be there to help those that may need a hand with shopping at New World Warkworth. Specifically, they’ll be assisting single parents who cannot take their children with them due to the one person per family entering rule, or to help those with compromised immune systems and the elderly.The Lions helpers can go in and do a quick shop for you, if you give them a short list, and they can then bring your groceries out to your car, or they can mind your children from a distance, provided the kids stay in the car. They are working in conjunction with New World Warkworth to ensure that all measures are being taken to avoid transmission and contamination. If the Lions could make your shopping trip easier during the next few weeks, keep an eye out for their yellow hi-vis vests in the New World carpark.

The COVID-19 crisis centre has offered some clarification on whether it is OK to visit local parks and beaches, following the police commissioner’s announcement yesterday. They have said that if you live within walking or cycling distance, you are welcome to get out and enjoy a stroll along the beach or a walk in the park.The one thing that you cannot do, however, is drive to the beach. They are asking people to only drive to get food, medicine, or other essential supplies.This is to try and restrict use to locals and stop travel to other parts of the country. You can also drive to deliver food or medicine to those who are at high risk or in quarantine, or those who do not have the means to get to the supermarket.Another exception is if you have stock that needs to be fed.Tawharanui regional park will be closed, and the local Iwi has made the decision to close Pakiri beach.

The four-week COVID-19 lockdown has halted progress on the new Ara Tūhono Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway project. NZTA have said that work on the motorway is not an essential service. However, some critical road maintenance work will continue around the country, and traffic control operation centres will stay manned to ensure that the roads are safe for any essential travel.The effect of this shutdown on the timeline for this project is not yet clear. “Our immediate focus is on ensuring the health and safety of workers and the wider community during this very difficult time. We are committed to doing our part as New Zealand comes together to respond to this unprecedented challenge.” said a NZTA spokesperson.The site will be monitored throughout the closure.At the time of the lockdown, there were over 700 staff working on the project

A temporary COVID-19 testing facility in Wellsford, detected four cases of COVID-19 yesterday. All the patients have recently returned from overseas in the last few days. There was no connection between any of the patients and they all returned from different countries.  No other information has been released at this stage.According to the Ministry of Health website some of the symptoms of COVID-19 are a cough, a high temperature (38°C +) and shortness of breath. Be aware if you have these symptoms and have recently been overseas, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please telephone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor. The symptoms are similar to other common illnesses, such as cold and flu. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19 Currently New Zealand is at Alert Level 3. It moves to Alert Level 4 at 11.59pm tonight.

Over the next 48 hours, New Zealand will begin the process of moving into level 4 lockdown, meaning self-isolation will be enforced for everyone who is not in an essential service. Jacinda Ardern went live to announce the plan to keep COVID-19 under control while we still have relatively low numbers of cases. Schools will close from tomorrow onwards, with only the children of essential workers such as hospital staff and police allowed to attend. Complete shutdown will begin on Wednesday at 11.59 p.pm. The lockdown excludes things like going to the supermarket or the doctor. The Prime Minister asked the country to please respect the decision and self-isolate wherever possible. “We did not take this decision likely. We knew the magnitude of what we were doing, but we will save lives with these measures we are taking now”. The $150,000 cap put on the amount given to businesses to keep them afloat during this time has been lifted.

Cyclone Gretel is well on her way to New Zealand, bringing strong winds and rain, although unfortunately not enough to ease the drought conditions we have seen over the past few months.Latest reliable computer modelling continues to agree that Gretel will remain a category 1 or 2 storm with the centre tracking just off northern New Zealand.The cyclone will hit the North Island on Tuesday with strong winds and gales set to batter the northeast of the North Island. A severe weather watch has been issued for Tuesday and early Wednesday.The MetService watch has been issued for Auckland north of Warkworth, Northland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula.The south-easterly winds are expected to possibly reach speeds of 75 km/h and swells of up to six metres are also predicted. 

Friday March 20Uncle Phil, The Matakana Village Pub, 5.00 p.m.Uncle Phil is an absolute legend of the decks and the nightlife around NZ. Originally from Wellington, back in the bad old days, Phil became a must-see, must-boogie drawcard of Auckland nightlife. Matakana put on your dancing shoes and kickstart you weekend the right way. If there is a groove Uncle Phil will find it. Dancing shoes optional!Frisky Business, Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 8.00 p.m. Go gack to the 80s with its neon lights, big hair styles and crazy outfits, but be prepared – you will dance and sing all night! Frisky Business will be playing songs from some of the most iconic and influential bands and artists of the 80s live… Michael Jackson, Prince, Wham, David Bowie, Tears for Fears, Eurythmics, Cameo and many, many more. Warm up your dance moves, get your 80’s outfit out of the storage and join us for a great night!Saturday March 21Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show, Warkworth Showgrounds, 9.00 a.m. Family fun and interaction is the name of the game at this year’s Warkworth A&P Show. Highlights include free kids’ rides and entertainment, a new fun look at where food comes from and a chance to try horse agility, as well as old A&P favourites, such as woodchopping, sheep shearing and all-day live music.Matakana Tennis Open, Matakana Tennis Club, 8.00 a.m.The 2nd annual Matakana Tennis Open will be played on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd of March at the beautiful village club in Matakana. Saturday will see the round play and Sunday, the semi-finals and finals. There will also be a not-to-be missed Barn Party with food, drinks, music and fun activities on Saturday evening!Rainbow Valley Farms Open Day, Rainbow Valley Farm Matakana, Tours at 11.00, 12.00 and 1.00.Many of you will have good memories of visiting Rainbow Valley Farm and learning about permaculture with Joe Polaischer and Trish Allen in the 1990s and 2000s. New owners, Matthew Luxon and Waveney Warth, are working to restore the farm, the native bush and the connection with the community. Bring sturdy shoes. You are welcome to BYO picnic and find a nice spot. Arrive anytime from 10:30 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. Leave by 2:30 p.m.

Mahurangi West’s community response meeting is happening on the 15th of March. The meeting will go over how the community can prepare and respond to emergencies, such as a natural disaster, or what's on everyone's minds right now, the possibility of a coronavirus pandemic. https://www.facebook.com/groups/168767454380742/?fref=gs&dti=2238843316397596&hc_location=groupThe meeting will give residents the chance to meet the local first responders and go over what their jobs entail. Local emergency services, Warkworth Police and Puhoi Fire Brigad,e will also be in attendance to give tips on what to do in different emergency situations. Entertainment, including games and a bouncy castle will be available for the kids and a barbecue will be provided to wrap up the evening. Please feel free to bring a plate to share. More information is available from CRG coordinator on 0212602793 or you can message them through the CRG Facebook Page.The Mahurangi West Community response group is made up of a dedicated group of volunteers, one of whom is Rob Fischer. He says that local CRGs are about communities coming together, and they are always looking for new members. “This is all about community endeavours with no council backing”.Community Response initiatives have evolved a lot over the last few years. Originally formed when local councils became responsible for civil defence plans in their own areas, they are now completely community led projects, with no ties to Rodney Council. Each area within our region is represented by a community response group that will provide guidance and help in the event of an emergency. Join the Neighbourhood Support Rodney Group you can be notified by email of any meetings or announcements. Alternatively, you can download the Red Cross app to be notified of any disasters or emergencies. It is always wise to get ready and how to get prepared for an emergency. Come along and find out who to reach out to in the case of a community or country-wide emergency. 

Since the Omaha Surf Life Saving Club was established in 1998, the Omaha Beach community, and the number of visitors to the area has grown exponentially. These changes make it all the more incredible that people, like lifeguard of 18 years Deb Collings, are willing to donate so much time and energy to making Omaha Beach a safe place to enjoy the water.This non-profit, volunteer driven organisation is a supportive environment for people to learn and do good, and a place that can become a second home.This environment and community are what make Deb so passionate about the surf club: “I've met so many people and made many, many friends through surf lifesaving. I've seen so many young kids who were really drifting along and getting into trouble, join up and flourish in the surf lifesaving environment, in some cases going onto successful careers like para medicine, based on the skills they acquired as lifeguards.”“I've seen adults who couldn’t swim take the time and learn and go on to not only meet the qualifying standard to be a lifeguard, but then compete in swimming events in surf sports and wear the red and yellow uniform proudly.” The job can be intense at times - patrolling the water during peak times and high-pressure rescues - but it is a job that has a truly positive effect. One of the most rewarding things for Deb is seeing trainees (including her daughters) qualify as guards: “Every time a new group of trainees qualifies as lifeguards at Omaha beach I feel proud to have been a part of the process”.Omaha Beach Surf Club welcome all and are always looking for new members to train and join the family. As Deb says, “You are never too old to become a lifeguard and support your local community.” The reward of the job is a big draw, not just saving lives in the ocean but the wonderful community within the club itself.Deb and all the lifeguards at Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving club are dedicated to keeping Omaha a safe place for all to enjoy the water, and I think it’s safe to say, the community and visitors to the area are truly grateful to them for all the hard work they put in.

The Warkworth Community Shop opened its doors in May 2018, and has thrived. It was opened by John McEwing and his business partner Christine Hannah as a community op shop from which the funds go directly back into the wider Warkworth community. “People are giving in the area, so the money goes back to other people in the area”.Since the shop opened, they have donated to a range of different community organisations around Warkworth, including area fire services, the Women's Centre Rodney, Mahurangi River Restoration Trust, local schools. John speaks of how important it was to them that “all of the profits go to our community, and stay in the Warkworth district”. John has lived in the region for 12 years and has spent a lot of time working for non-profit groups. He has seen what a wonderful community we have in Warkworth and wanted to ensure that what he was doing would benefit those people directly. “We are here for the local people, and that's the simple concept, for everything to stay local”.The majority of pieces in the store are donated by locals, and John is often blown away by the generosity. “We get some fantastic donations almost every day, and we want to say thank you to everyone who does donate, or even just supports us by shopping here”.  The idea behind the shop is simple, and one that John cares deeply about: “The point is that because local people donate, their community should benefit”.