Photo: 123rf.com - RNZ / Composite Image - RNZ
There have been 6636 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the past week, and seven further deaths attributed to the virus.
It comes as epidemiologist professor Michael Baker says New Zealand is at its highest peak for the virus in 18 months.
There were 282 cases in hospital as of midnight on Sunday, the Ministry of Health said.
The seven-day rolling average of cases was 948. Of the total new cases in the past week, 4338 were reinfections.
Epidemiologist professor Michael Baker on Monday told RNZ's First Up one in three people were still contagious five days after testing positive.
Despite the recommended isolation period now only being five days, Baker suggested people still getting a positive Covid-19 test wait to test again on day 6 or 7 before going back into society.
Last week, the ministry reported 6146 new cases of the virus and 19 further deaths.
"The biology hasn't changed," Baker said, but there was more pressure for people to go back to work and school.
Baker said he would like to see money in this week's Budget going towards the Covid-19 response.
It was important for health and productivity that the government continued to fund booster shots, RAT tests and the anti-viral medication.
As soon as people had to pay for these, low income households would miss out.
Baker said it had to remain fair and equity had to be maintained.
Last week, the ministry reported 6146 new cases of the virus and 19 further deaths.
