New Zealand raises alert level, prepares for nationwide lockdown

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the nationwide alert was raised by one level to alert level three effective immediately, and the country would prepare to enter level 4 – the highest alert after two days.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Ardern also explained measures including requiring schools in the country to close from Tuesday and all non-essential services to be shuttered.

But supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open, Ardern added, assuring the country was well supplied.

New Zealand reported 36 more cases on Monday morning, taking the country's tally across the 100 mark to 102. And among the 36 cases, two are related to community transmission.