25 Aug 2021

Covid-19 lockdown day 8: As it happened

7:36 pm on 25 August 2021

Vaccine and test numbers are continuing to rise to New Zealand, but so are cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant. See how the day's events unfolded with RNZ's live blog.

Wellington Covid-19 testing station on 23/8/2021.

Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

It was reported today that a record 80,000 New Zealanders got a vaccine on Tuesday, while testing numbers also reached a record high - nearly 50,000 across the country.

There were also 62 new community cases of Covid-19 to report.

Meanwhile, all of the 732 people who were vaccinated on the day some may have received saline are now being contacted by the Health Ministry.

RNZ reported today that an investigation has begun after staff at the Highbrook vaccination centre last month realised there was an extra vial left over at the end of a day of 732 vaccinations, indicating people may have been given saline - a salt water solution - instead.

At today's government update - ] - Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said the incident occurred on 12 July.

Immediate protocol changes have been made, including more frequent checking of the vials and more labels on syringes everywhere they are administered in New Zealand in large sites.

Dr Bloomfield said the ministry is now seeking expert advice from technical advisory group on whether people should be offered an additional dose.

See how the day unfolded with RNZ's Covid-19 updates here:

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