Waikato DHB's taking a cautious approach...and limiting its hospital services

It comes after three new community cases in the district, connected to a prisoner on remand from Auckland.

From today, services across all hospitals will be reduced to acute, urgent and cancer care only.

Visitor numbers are also restricted, and outpatient clinics will be using virtual and phone consults when possible.

DHB chief executive Kevin Snee says they'll review the decision once they have a better understanding about community transmission.

He says they'll contact everyone affected to discuss treatment options, or deferrals.