The Cook Islands has reported its first Covid-19 death. 

The 63-year-old woman died on the way to hospital on the island of Aitutaki, Prime Minister Mark Brown said in a statement posted on Facebook. 

"It is with great sadness that I announce that we have recorded our first in-country death attributed to Covid-19," Brown said. 

"The deceased was a 63-year-old woman on the island of Aitutaki. 

"She had had all three anti-Covid vaccinations, but also had several serious underlying health conditions." 

"It is tragic, but not unexpected that we might lose someone to Covid. 

"I, together with Te Marae Ora [Ministry of Health], am sending our condolences to the family who have just lost a loved one, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time and the people of Aitutaki." 

Rarotonga reported 73 new cases of Covid-19 in the 24 hours to this morning, while Aitutaki reported 43 cases. 

The Cook Islands has had a total of 4727 cases, 3990 of whom have recovered. 

The islands had their first case of Covid-19 detected only in February, far later than most of the world. 

- by RNZ