New Zealand has had its first death first death linked to COVID-19.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said the patient was a woman in her 70s, from the West Coast, who had been admitted to hospital with what was initially thought to be influenza complicated by an underlying chronic health condition.

“As we have seen around the world, COVID-19 can be a deadly disease, particularly for older people and those with underlying, pre-existing health conditions. All of our thoughts are with their family and loved ones at this time.”

Between the woman’s admission to hospital and confirmed diagnosis a couple of days later, there was a period when staff treating the woman were using protective equipment suitable for influenza but not for COVID-19. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, staff undertook a range of measures to protect both themselves and other patients. As a precautionary approach, the DHB has placed 21 staff into self-isolation for the balance of the 14 days since they last had contact with this person. 

Dr Bloomfield reinforced that there was sufficient hospital capacity to manage current and predicted cases along with plans “well in place to boost capacity if needed.”

There were 60 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in New Zealand over the past 24 hours, along with three probable cases. There are currently nine people in hospital with COVID-19 – Wellington 3, Blenheim 1, Nelson 1, Whangarei 1, Waikato 1, Taranaki 1 and Dunedin 1. One of those people is in intensive care, on a ventilator.

The combined total of confirmed and probable cases in New Zealand is 514.

There are now 56 people who have recovered from COVID-19.

On average, 1786 tests have been carried out every day over the past week. Dr Bloomfield reminded anyone who had been tested that they must self-isolate, “including from their family members” until the result of that test was made known. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was a very sad day that also brought home why such strong measures were being taken to stop the spread of this virus.

“Left unchecked it runs the risk of taking the lives of many more people. Even with the measures we now have in place, we will continue to see more people get sick because of the time it takes for people to become unwell after they have picked up the virus,” she said.

Older New Zealanders and those with underlying health issues were “by far” at the most risk.

“It is critical that we call stay at home to give our older New Zealanders as much protection as we possibly can.”

The shield of protection was physical distance but that did not mean you could not be there for them in other ways,” Ms Ardern said.

“Keep in touch on the phone or via Skype, do all you can to help keep their spirits up without coming into physical contact, whether it’s dropping food at the gate or leaving messages.”

“Today’s death is reminder of the fight that we have on our hands, and it’s a reminder of why it is so important. And everyone can play their part through the simplest of tasks – by not having contact with people outside of your bubble, stay at home, break the chain, and save lives.”

Meanwhile, she urged people wanting to report those flouting the Level 4 restrictions not to call 111 but to instead report it to police via a new online form.

View the full briefing below.