LISTEN TO UPDATES ON NEWSTALK ZB

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield provided an update on today's cases and how the country is working through multiple Alert Levels.

• There are 75 new cases, all in Auckland, except 1 which is in Wellington
• Of cases reported yesterday, just 25 percent were infectious in the community before being diagnosed
• Bloomfield says this bounce in numbers is not unexpected
• 32 people are in hospital, all in Auckland, 8 are in intensive case, 3 currently ventilated 
• 22,158 tests processed nationwide yesterday
• A number of supermarkets are being added to the locations of interest. These locations are deemed as low risk, but Bloomfield encourages people at those locations to monitor for symptoms
• Hipkins says around half of the eligible population have now received at least one dose of the vaccine
• He thanks New Zealanders for getting vaccinated, and says they are free and safe
• People should reserve their spot at Book My Vaccine, and call 0800 28 29 26 if they need any help or have any questions
• Two further MIQ facilities are being re-purposed as quarantine facilities for positive cases from the community outbreak.
• The pause on releasing any further MIQ vouchers has been extended for a few weeks, Hipkins says. "I acknowledge that is not easy for New Zealanders abroad looking to come home"
• The pause on releasing further vouchers does not pause emergency vouchers. People can still make applications to come home for emergencies.
• The booking system will operate differently when it starts back up again. A virtual lobby booking system will be introduced. People will be selected "randomly", removing the issue of being the quickest person to "hit the button", Hipkins says
• There won't be any vouchers released for the next week or two.