The death of a man in Invercargill could change the way sick people are looked after in the community, during the Covid-19 outbreak

It's been confirmed the man - who passed away on Tuesday - died of the virus.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says he was at home with family and had not been that unwell, but was receiving daily check ins.

He says he's asked for advice from other doctors on how to best manage people with pre-existing respiratory conditions - and what sort of clinical check ins are needed for people at home with the disease.