New Zealand could be split into North and South Island bubbles, Covid modeller suggests

A divide between the two islands could see tough restrictions eased for some amid a worsening Covid outbreak

• See all our coronavirus coverage

A Covid-19 modeller has suggested New Zealand's North and South islands could become separate bubbles as the country grapples with a coronavirus outbreak, although South islanders with hopes of being fully released from lockdown should not hold their breath just yet.

New Zealand is battling to contain an outbreak of the Delta variant that swiftly led to a nationwide, level four lockdown - the highest setting - which has been extended until at least the end of the week. There are now 210 cases in the community.