There are 202 new community cases of Covid-19 being reported today, with 63 in MIQ.
Photo:
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the new cases are in Northland (17), Auckland (119), Waikato (39), Lakes (4), Bay of Plenty (8), Taranaki (1), Hawke's Bay (8), Hutt Valley (1), Capital & Coast (4), and Nelson Marlborough (1).
Fourteen people are in hospital with Covid-19, including one in intensive care in Rotorua.
On a number of cases being identified at schools, the ministry said it is not unexpected following the start of the school year.
"A range of public health measures have been established to help ensure our tamariki are well protected from Covid-19 at school.
"Vaccination continues to be New Zealand's best defence against Covid-19, and vaccination of those currently eligible will help to both protect children and further lower the risk of transmission in schools. All staff in schools are required to be vaccinated and the vaccination programme is well underway for 5 to 11-year-olds."
There are requirements for mask wearing such as for visitors, and for staff and students in Year 4 and above, when at Red. Where not required, mask wearing is encouraged, especially in higher density indoor settings where there is an increased risk of transmission, the ministry said.
On vaccinations, there were 18,655 booster doses administered yesterday, taking the total to date to 1,605,815. Also, 1502 paediatric doses were given yesterday, bringing the total to 200,562.
The ministry said with Omicron in New Zealand, one of the best things you can do is get your booster as soon as it is due.
In the last 24 hours, there were 13,997 Covid-19 tests.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she expected the peak of the Omicron outbreak in late March.
Meanwhile, new modelling suggested at the peak, New Zealand could see 10,000 daily cases.
Yesterday, 188 new cases were reported, with 27 in MIQ.
