Police and Corrections staff and some prisoners are isolating, after an inmate tested positive for Covid-19 in Auckland

There are 24 new community cases of the virus in the region, including three mystery cases.

Director of Public Health, Dr Caroline McElnay, says one of the unlinked cases is a man who was taken into custody at Mt Eden prison on Friday night.

She says his travelling companion, four police staff, five Corrections staff and six prisoners have been identified as contacts, and are isolating.

McElnay says the inmate, his friend and his contacts have been helpful and cooperative.