There are 147 new cases of Covid-19 in the community and 44 at the border, the Ministry of Health is reporting today.
Photo: 123RF
In a statement, the ministry said the new community cases were in Northland (14), Auckland (90), Waikato (15), Rotorua (8), Taupō (1), Bay of Plenty (8), Hawke's Bay (7) and Wellington (4).
A person admitted to Wellington Hospital has tested positive for Covid-19, Capital and Coast DHB confirmed this morning. The ministry said there were another 12 people in hospital in Auckland, rotorua and Hawke's Bay.
There are no people in intensive care.
Today's 44 new cases at the border came from Italy ,Pakistan, Egypt, Singapore, Australia, India, USA, Fiji, UAE, Turkey Saudi Arabia, Canada, Thailand, Qatar and Nepal.
On Wednesday, there were 142 new cases reported in the community and 54 at the border.
There have now been 16,630 cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand since the pandemic began.
There were 1113 first doses, 2030 second doses, 5725 paediatric doses and 36,230 booster doses given yesterday.
The ministry said the Waikato region will today reach 90 percent first dosed for Māori.
Waitangi weekend warning
With the long weekend ahead for Waitangi Day, the ministry also warned New Zealanders to have plans in place in case they are identified as a close contact, get Covid-19 symptoms, or find out they have the coronavirus.
"You are likely to need to self-isolate wherever you become a close contact or test positive, so there may be extra costs involved in paying for accommodation and changing your travel plans.
"There are limited alternative accommodation options for those who are unable to safely isolate in their own homes or if they have travelled elsewhere, and as case numbers rise, the accommodation will be focused on those with high needs."
The ministry said travel could also contribute to the spread of Covid-19 and anyone with any symptoms should not travel.
"The most common early symptoms of the Omicron variant are a sore or scratchy throat, and a runny nose. If you have any of these symptoms, please get a test."
