New Zealand extends state of emergency for another week as cases hit 600 

New Zealand Tuesday announced an extension of its national emergency for another seven days to ensure the government has all the powers needed to curb the spread of the virus.

The initial declaration on March 25 lasted seven days and can be extended as many times as necessary.

"Extending the State of National Emergency ensures we have all the resources, support and powers we need to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," Minister of Civil Defence Peeni Henare said in a statement.

As of 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, the country had reported 600 confirmed cases and one death.