Covid-19: Record number of new community cases
New Zealand has recorded the highest number of new community Covid-19 cases in one day since the pandemic began.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 243 new community cases - six in Hawke's Bay, 165 in Auckland, 34 in Waikato, 21 in Northland, eight in Bay of Plenty, two each in Tairāwhiti and Wellington and one each in Rotorua and Whanganui.
The previous highest number of cases reported in one day was 222 during the Delta outbreak in November.
The Ministry said the continued increase in cases today is "a reminder that, as expected, the Omicron variant is spreading in our communities as we have seen in other countries".
It also said getting a booster dose as soon as it is due was one of the best steps to take.
"Boosters lower your chances of getting very sick and being hospitalised. Being boosted also helps slow the spread of the virus. If you're over 18 and your booster is due, please get it now."
