Today's rapid move to Level 3 and Level 2 has in part been in a bid to avoid what's happening across the Tasman.
Victoria today recorded its deadliest day since the pandemic began - 21 deaths in the last 24 hours.
New infections also remain stubbornly high, with a further 410 new cases confirmed today.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews says the state's strict lockdown measures are beginning to make a slow difference.
