Essential health checks were missed on New Zealand’s two new cases of coronavirus – and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says that her “expectations have not been met”.

She made the comments on Tuesday evening after it was announced that two women had been diagnosed with COVID-19 after leaving a managed isolation facility.

The diagnosis of the two women, who had recently arrived home from the UK, has now led to compassionate exemptions being suspended by the Government.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield earlier confirmed the women were not tested before leaving managed isolation in Auckland and driving to Wellington.

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A contribution from The BFD staff.