Lockdown changed Kiwis' habits.

We baked more, shopped from our homes, and became increasingly aware of sustainability during lockdown, according to supermarket chain Countdown.

There is at least one loser in all our at-home activities. Figures from the Restaurant Association show that revenue in the sector dropped by more than $1 billion in New Zealand during the pandemic.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown have agreed to establish quarantine-free travel between the two countries in the first quarter of 2021.

An Air New Zealand crew member tested positive for Covid-19 at the border into New Zealand on December 9. This person is asymptomatic, meaning they are showing no signs of the virus.

Guests at the Auckland managed isolation hotel the Pullman were evacuated after a fire alarm went off at 7.30pm on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the United States has approved the nation's first Covid-19 vaccine.

Global toll

The global case count has risen to 71.4 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The US continues to report the most cases - 15.9m - followed by India and Brazil with 9.8m and 6.8m cases respectively.

Fatalities continue to climb as well. To date, 1.6m people had died from the virus, again the majority in the US, Brazil and India.

What should I do?

Anyone who wants to get tested can find their local testing centres by visiting the Ministry of Health website.

New Zealand, including Auckland, is at Covid-19 alert level 1.

Masks are mandatory for people travelling on public transport services in and out of the Auckland region; the drivers of small passenger service vehicles in Auckland, such as taxis and app-based ride services; and people travelling on passenger flights throughout New Zealand.

If you are sick, call your GP before you visit, or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

To avoid contracting and spreading the virus, wash your hands properly, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow and throw tissues away immediately.

Reach out, find support from people who care, connect with your community or help a neighbour in need.