Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland to move to alert level 1 - what does it mean? 22 Feb, 2021 04:08 PM 3 minutes to read Auckland will move to alert level 1 at midnight tonight and masks will continue to be mandatory on public transport. Auckland will move to alert level 1 at midnight tonight and masks will continue to be mandatory on public transport. NZ Herald Auckland joined the rest of the country at level 1 from midnight last night and with it regained the freedom of being able to return to work, school, sports and attend large events without restrictions. Prime minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the move on Monday afternoon, saying it comes after 72,000 tests since last Sunday, with all eight Covid-19 community cases being linked and all their close contacts testing negative.