Today we are reporting 7,461 community cases and 662 current hospitalisations. The seven-day rolling average of community case numbers today is 9,000.
We are sadly reporting the deaths of 8 people with COVID-19. All of these deaths occurred during the last two days. There has been a significant increase in the number of COVID-19-positive hospitalisations this weekend.
We know there will also be increased demand for primary and community care services as COVID-19 cases increase. The Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ are closely monitoring this, together with case numbers, as part of our ongoing review and updating of the response to the current community outbreak.
The increase in hospitalisations also emphasises the importance of everybody doing the basics well to help New Zealand get through winter in good shape.