Indoor crowds of more than a hundred people have been banned by the Government.

Health Minister David Clark says he knows it'll be deeply disappointing to people who've planned events.

But even though there's no evidence of community spread of Covid 19 here, he says the precautions are necessary.

Clark says large gatherings and events are a high risk environment where people share food and drinks and stand close to each other for long periods.

He says they may cough and breathe on each other and that can spread Covid 19.

Details of how it'll work in the hospitality industry will be worked out over the next 24 to 36 hours.

The ban does not apply to workplaces, schools, supermarkets and public transport.

Tim Wilson and Josie Pagani join Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the developments.