There have been 71 new community cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand today, all in Auckland.

Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay said today's numbers were "sobering, but not unexpected".

"As we see numbers increase it is even more important that people get tested if they feel unwell and get vaccinated.

"Testing and vaccinations remain our best tools for fighting the virus. Please also wear masks when you are out and about and wash your hands often."

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There was also one case in managed isolation.

Of today's new community cases, 28 are yet to be linked. Of yesterday's 55 cases, 21 cases remain unlinked. Health units from outside the Auckland region had been delegated 25 cases in order to manage the increasing workload.

While there were no cases in Waikato today, the two community cases reported in the region yesterday remain unlinked. But the Ministry of Health said some potential connections have been identified and investigations continue. Results of whole genome sequencing are expected tonight.

There are 33 people in hospital, including five in intensive care.

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There have now been 1790 cases in the current community outbreak and 4472 cases since the pandemic began.

There were 13,960 swabs taken in Auckland yesterday and 28,646 other tests processed throughout the country. There were 68,787 vaccine doses given yesterday - 15,704 first doses and 53,083 second doses.

Dr McElnay reminded the public that travel was restricted in alert level 3 and that people were only allowed to travel under certain circumstances, which included going to work, shopping for food and getting exercise.

"The key thing is for separate families not to be mixing indoors," she said.

Republished by Arrangement