By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.
The number of new community cases in New Zealand has almost doubled today, with a record 810 new cases reported today.
Photo: 123RF
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 32 new cases in hospital, with cases in Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellington and Christchurch hospitals. None are in ICU and the average age of current hospitalisations is 62.
The Ministry said the sharp increase in new cases today was another reminder that the Omicron variant was now spreading in the community.
“Our expectation is that cases will continue to increase over the coming weeks and we’re asking people to do all they can to slow the spread of the virus and protect themselves and their whānau.”
“The most important step anyone can take to prepare for Omicron is to book their vaccine, whether it’s their first, second or booster. Every dose counts and lowers the chances of getting very sick and being hospitalised.”
