Two more people have tested positive for the highly infectious Omicron variant in Auckland - a household contact of the initial case, who is a worker at a managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facility, and a triple-vaccinated staffer at Auckland Airport.
A person has also tested positive for COVID-19 in Manawatū-Whanganui, the region's first case since November. In an update on Thursday afternoon, the Ministry of Health announced that the person is being treated as a possible Omicron case due to potential exposure in MIQ.
Several new high-risk exposure events have been identified in Auckland over the past 24 hours, including three popular nightclubs. A cafe in Half Moon Bay was also visited by one of the latest Omicron cases on Tuesday. People who were at these locations at the relevant times are urged to get tested immediately and self-isolate.
The Prime Minister has also announced several important updates regarding the Government's response, in preparation for an inevitable Omicron outbreak. The country will remain at Orange - including Northland as of 11:59pm - for now. If Omicron finds a foothold, the nation will return to the Red setting - not lockdown.
What you need to know
- Two more people have tested positive for the Omicron variant in Auckland - a triple-vaccinated worker at Auckland Airport and a household contact of the initial case, an MIQ staffer
- The MIQ staffer tested positive for the variant on Sunday - their household contact, now confirmed to also be carrying Omicron, tested positive on Tuesday
- Another household contact of the MIQ worker has tested positive and is assumed to be carrying Omicron
- A person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Manawatū-Whanganui, the region's first case since November - they are assumed to be carrying Omicron and visited a number of businesses
- Two more people have tested positive in Hawke's Bay, with six active cases in the region
- Several high-risk locations of interest have been identified in Auckland, including three nightclubs and a cafe visited by a Omicron-positive case
- Northland will transition to the Orange setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework at 11:59pm and the rest of the nation will remain at Orange in preparation for an Omicron outbreak
- The Government will not revert to lockdowns in the event of an Omicron outbreak - instead the country will move to the Red setting within 24 to 48 hours
- Thirty-nine new cases have been recorded in the community - 21 in Auckland, 14 in Lakes, two in Hawke's Bay, one in Canterbury and one in West Coast (a historical case).
These live updates have now finished.
3:05pm - The Restaurant Association says it's pleased to see Northland moving to the 'orange' setting of the traffic light system, but is concerned about the nationwide move to 'red' when Omicron enters the community.
"The traffic light system at orange allows our businesses the flexibility to be operational without restrictions on numbers where vaccine passes are being used so we’re pleased to see Northland moving to the Orange traffic light," says Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association.
"Of concern is the move to the red traffic light when Omicron reaches the community, particularly if we are only given 24 hours notice.
"Any move to the red traffic light still presents restrictions on trading and the impact of this has been felt by our businesses who are recovering from two years of restricted trading."
Bidois says there is no further financial support offered to businesses in the traffic light system, and they are awaiting feedback from Government on financial assistance for business that are closed down as a result of positive cases among their workforce or exposure via a customer.
"We know from the Omicron outbreak in other countries that the spread of this variant has caused a lot of uncertainty for businesses who are closing because of staff shortages as a result of exposure," she says.
"We believe that businesses will need financial support to work through this new variant."
2:35pm - Between the Ministry of Health's 1pm update and the Prime Minister's stand-up, there have been a lot of new developments today - here's a breakdown of the key points issued by the ministry:
- A case first announced in the Manawatū region this morning is assumed to be carrying the Omicron variant. The person spent 10 days at a Christchurch managed isolation facility and tested negative multiple times. They were released on January 16 and have since visited a number of businesses in Palmerston North. One cafe has been identified as a high-risk exposure event. It's assumed the person caught the virus in MIQ as five other active cases were on the same floor, Jacinda Ardern said. The possible transmission route is now under investigation. Their household family members are currently isolating and have been tested.
- Three people have now tested positive for the Omicron variant in Auckland - the initial case, an MIQ worker who tested positive on Sunday; a household contact of the worker, who tested positive on Tuesday; and a triple-vaccinated Auckland Airport worker.
- As of Thursday, another household contact of the MIQ worker has tested positive and is assumed to be carrying the Omicron variant. They had already been isolating.
- A number of locations of interest have been identified in recent days, including several high-risk exposure events in Auckland. One is associated with the Omicron-positive Auckland Airport worker, the Ara-Tai Cafe at Half Moon Bay. People who were there at the same time are urged to get tested immediately and self-isolate.
- As of this morning, a total of 88 contacts have been identified in relation to the initial Omicron case, the MIQ worker. At this stage, 84 have returned negative results and two have returned positive results - the two aforementioned household contacts.
- As of this morning, a total of 39 contacts have been identified in relation to the worker at Auckland Airport. At this stage, 13 have returned negative results. Investigations into the source of infection are ongoing.
- Twenty-one people are currently in hospital with COVID-19, one of whom is in the ICU.
- There are 39 new cases of COVID-19 in the community today - 21 in Auckland, 14 in Lakes, two in Hawke's Bay, one in Canterbury and one on the West Coast - they are considered a historical case. The case in Christchurch was first announced on Wednesday but was notified after the reporting deadline. At the border, 46 people have tested positive.
- The 14 new cases in the Lakes DHB area are all in the Rotorua District - nine are linked to previously reported cases and five are still being investigated.
- There are three new cases in Hawke's Bay - two were reported today and one was first announced on Wednesday. Two of the cases are linked to previously reported cases, and investigations are underway to identify a link for the third, who is believed to have contracted COVID-19 outside of the region. There are now six active cases in Hawke's Bay.
2:20pm - In case you missed it, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that the Government will not reintroduce lockdowns in the event of an Omicron outbreak.
Instead, the nation will transition back to the Red setting of the 'traffic light' framework within 24 to 48 hours, when the variant inevitably finds a foothold in the community. The Red setting is the most restrictive.
Until that point, the country - including Northland as of 11:59pm - will remain in Orange and await the inevitable.
2:05pm - High-risk exposure events have also been identified in Hastings - there are currently six active cases in the Hawke's Bay region.
Jetts, Hastings - Fri, Jan 14, 7:48am - 9am: Self-isolate, test immediately and on day 5 after you were exposed at this location of interest. Further isolation and testing requirements will be provided by Public Health.
Record your visit online or call Healthline so our contact tracers can get in touch.
SAZIO Pasta Bar, Hastings - Sat, Jan 15, 5pm - 7pm: Self-isolate, test immediately and on day 5 after you were exposed at this location of interest. Further isolation and testing requirements will be provided by Public Health.
Record your visit online or call Healthline so our contact tracers can get in touch.
2pm - A number of locations of interest have been identified in Palmerston North associated with the latest case, who is presumed to be carrying the Omicron variant.
The majority of the locations of interest were identified earlier on Thursday, but have now been updated.
Anyone who visited the following locations at the relevant times are asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days after the date of exposure. If symptoms develop, get a test and stay at home until a negative result is returned.
- ANZA Motor Company, Palmerston North - two separate exposure events
- Postie, Palmerston North
- eSANZ Milson, Palmerston North
- Bunnings Warehouse, Palmerston North - two separate exposure events
- Amare Safety, Palmerston North - two separate exposure events
- Repco, Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North - three separate exposure events
- Steelmasters, Palmerston North - two separate exposure events
- Manawatu Locksmith, Palmerston North.
For the relevant dates, times and public health advice, click here.
One high-risk exposure event has also been identified:
Cafe 116, Terrace End, Palmerston North - Wed, Jan 19, 10:40am - 11am: This exposure is linked to an assumed Omicron case. Self-isolate, test immediately and on day 5 after you were exposed at this location of interest. Further isolation and testing requirements will be provided by Public Health.
Record your visit online or call Healthline so our contact tracers can get in touch.
1:35pm - Addressing the possible Omicron case in Palmerston North, the Prime Minister confirmed the person had been tested five times at a managed isolation facility and only became symptomatic several days after their release.
The person completed a full 10 days at the facility and was tested the same day they became symptomatic, Ardern said.
The person's household contacts are now isolating and health officials are tracing secondary contacts.
As of this afternoon, no results have been returned for the person's household contacts.
Genome sequencing has yet to be carried out, but five other active cases were on the same floor as the person at the managed isolation facility, Ardern said.
"[The ministry] is acting on the assumption its Omicron and came from their stay in MIQ."
The Ministry of Health is actively working to establish how the transmission may have occurred.
Jacinda Ardern is holding a stand-up in New Plymouth and has already provided several important updates - see further down.
1:18pm - Here are today's regional updates from the Ministry of Health:
Today's cases
We are reporting new community cases in Auckland, Lakes, Hawke's Bay, Canterbury and the West Coast.
The Christchurch case and one of the Hawke's Bay cases were announced on Wednesday but were notified after the reporting deadline. These cases are being added to the tally today.
Following public health investigation and further testing, the person on the West Coast who returned a weak-positive test result earlier this week is deemed to be a historical case. This case has been re-included in the case totals today.
Regional updates
We are continuing to ask anyone in New Zealand with symptoms, no matter how mild, to get tested, even if you're vaccinated. Please stay at home until you return a negative result.
Testing and vaccination centre locations nationwide can be found on the Healthpoint website.
Please also continue to check for any updated Locations of Interest and appropriate health advice, updated regularly on the Ministry's website.
Auckland
There are 21 new cases to report in Auckland.
Health and welfare providers are now supporting 712 people in the region to isolate at home, including 142 cases.
Lakes
There are 14 new cases to report in the Lakes DHB region today, all in the Rotorua District.
Nine of today's cases are linked to previously reported cases, the remaining cases are still being investigated to determine any links.
All cases are isolating at home or in managed accommodation.
Hawke's Bay
There are three new cases to report in Hawke's Bay.
One of these cases was announced on Wednesday and is being formally added to the tally today.
Two of the cases are linked to previously reported cases and investigations are underway to identify a link for the third, who is believed to have contracted COVID-19 outside of the region.
There are now six active cases in the Hawke's Bay.
1:17pm - The Ministry of Health has released its update on the COVID-19 outbreak.
There are 39 new cases of the virus in the community.
Another contact of MIQ worker who tested positive for Omicron on Sunday has returned a positive result. This case is a household contact of the worker and was already isolating when they tested positive. Whole genome sequencing is underway, but the assumption is this case has the Omicron variant.
The person who tested positive in Palmerston North is also suspected to be carrying the Omicron variant.
Here's Thursday's update:
Today, we are reporting 12,057 first doses of the paediatric Pfizer vaccine, administered on Wednesday to five to 11-year-olds, bringing the total to 39,829.
We want to thank children who got their first dose yesterday and the caregivers who supported them. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.
New Zealand's vaccine rollout remains our key defence against all variants of COVID-19, including Omicron.
Today, we are reporting 36,226 boosters administered on Wednesday, bringing the total to 864,929, which is 52 percent of the eligible population.
Palmerston North COVID-19 case
Today the Ministry of Health is reporting one new possible Omicron case in Palmerston North. MidCentral District Health Board announced the case this morning.
This case was in a MIQ facility in Christchurch and tested negative on day nine, before being released on January 16 (Sunday) after returning a negative test result on five occasions throughout their stay.
The case became symptomatic on Wednesday and got tested. They returned a positive COVID-19 test result that evening.
Urgent whole genome sequencing is underway as this case was staying at a MIQ facility at the same time as known Omicron cases. As a prudent measure it is being treated as a Omicron case. Investigations are underway to determine the source of infection, including possible in-facility transmission.
The case is considered to have been infectious from January 17 (Monday) and there are exposure events associated with their movements, including an early childhood centre. Initial locations of interest associated with the individual have been published this morning and more will be added as they are identified.
The case, who has had two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, is now isolating at home with their family.
Information on testing sites in Palmerston North can be found on HealthPoint.
Our objective is to stamp out the infection and prevent any onward transmission related to this case.
New Zealand's vaccine rollout remains our key defence against all variants of COVID-19, including Omicron. With 93 percent of the eligible population now double-dosed and the booster programme underway, New Zealanders are well protected.
Auckland Omicron case update
As announced last night, there are now three confirmed Omicron cases in the Auckland region. These include a MIQ border worker and their household contact, and a worker at Auckland Airport.
At this stage, one additional contact associated with these cases has tested positive for COVID-19. This case is a household contact of the MIQ worker and was already isolating when they tested positive. Whole genome sequencing is underway, but the assumption is this case has the Omicron variant.
The highest priority for local Public Health staff relates to contacts who were at the Ara-Tai Café Half Moon Bay at the same time as the worker at Auckland Airport. This location of interest is high risk and people that may have visited this location are asked to follow public health advice.
As of this morning, a total of 39 contacts have been identified in relation to the worker at Auckland Airport. At this stage, 13 have returned negative test results.As of this morning, a total of 88 contacts have been identified in relation to the MIQ border worker. At this stage, 84 have returned negative test results and two have returned a positive result. This includes a positive household contact that was reported earlier this week, and an additional household contact reported today.
Investigations into the source of infection are ongoing.
Omicron update
To date, there have been 440 Omicron cases detected at the border since December 1, and 32 cases of the Delta variant.
COVID-19 vaccine update
Vaccines administered to date (percentage of eligible people): 3,992,821 first doses (95 pct); 3,904,231 second doses (93 pct); 36,245 third primary doses; 864,929 booster doses
Vaccines administered yesterday: 1,236 first doses; 2,433 second doses; 525 third primary doses and 36,226 booster doses.
Māori (percentage of eligible people): 507,862 first doses (89 pct); 478,318 second doses (84 pct).
Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people): 275,028 first doses (96 pct); 266,019 second doses (93 pct).
Vaccination rates by DHB with active cases (percentage of eligible people)
Northland DHB: First doses (89 pct); second doses (86 pct)
Auckland Metro DHBs: First doses (97 pct); second doses (95 pct)
Waikato DHB: First doses (94 pct); second doses (92 pct)
Bay of Plenty DHB: First doses (94 pct); second doses (91 pct)
Lakes DHB: First doses (93 pct); second doses (89 pct)
Hawke's Bay DHB: First doses (96 pct); second doses (93 pct)
Wairarapa DHB: First doses (96 pct); second doses (93 pct)
Capital and Coast DHB: First doses (98 pct); second doses (97 pct)
Hutt Valley DHB: First doses (96 pct); second doses (94 pct)
Canterbury DHB: First doses (99 pct); second doses (97 pct)
MidCentral DHB: First doses (96 pct); second doses (93 pct)
Hospitalisations
Cases in hospital: 21; North Shore: 6; Auckland: 8; Middlemore: 7.
Vaccination status of current hospitalisations (Northern Region wards only): Unvaccinated or not eligible (7 cases / 37 pct); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (2 case / 10 pct); fully vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (9 cases / 47 pct); unknown (1 case / 5 pct).
Average age of current hospitalisations: 55
Cases in ICU or HDU: 1; Middlemore: 1.
Cases
Seven day rolling average of community cases: 22
Seven day rolling average of border cases: 37
Number of new community cases: 39
Number of new cases identified at the border: 46
*Location of new community cases: Auckland (21), Lakes (14), Hawke's Bay (2), Canterbury (1), West Coast (1).
Number of community cases (total): 11,360 (in current community outbreak)
Cases epidemiologically linked (total): 8,670
Number of active cases (total): 525 (cases identified in the past 21 days and not yet classified as recovered)
Confirmed cases (total): 14,959
Contacts
Number of active contacts being managed (total): 4,848
Percentage who has received an outbound call from contact tracers (to confirm testing and isolation requirements): 77 pct
Percentage who has returned at least one result: 79 pct
Tests
Number of tests total (last 24 hours): 16,184
Tests rolling average (last 7 days): 13,841
Auckland tests total (last 24 hours): 8,425
Wastewater
No unexpected results.
NZ COVID Tracer
Poster scans in the 24 hours to midday yesterday: 2,350,639
Manual diary entries in the 24 hours to midday: 37,598
My Vaccine Pass
My vaccine pass downloads total: 4,831,138
My vaccine pass downloads (last 24 hours): 14,465
1:16pm - Northland will transition to the Orange setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework at 11:59pm on Thursday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.
The rest of New Zealand will remain in Orange in preparation for the inevitable outbreak of the Omicron variant.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that when Omicron begins to circulate in the community, the Government will not revert to lockdowns - instead, the whole country will move into Red within 24 to 48 hours.
Here's the full statement from the Prime Minister:
Northland to move to Orange, NZ prepared for Omicron
Key points:
- Northland to move to Orange
- Rest of New Zealand stays at Orange in preparedness for Omicron
- All of New Zealand to move into Red in the event of Omicron community outbreak - no use of lockdowns
- Govt planning well advanced - new case management, close contact definition and testing rules that are fit for purpose for Omicron are being finalised, and include plans to support business continuity.
Northland will move to Orange at 11:59pm tonight, January 20, 2022, while the rest of New Zealand will remain at Orange as the Government prepares for Omicron to enter the community.
"Vaccination rates have continued to increase in Northland and are now at 89 percent first dose. The easing of the Auckland boundary over summer did not drive an increase in cases so we believe it is safe for Northland to join the rest of the country at Orange," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.
"We won't be able to stop Omicron entering the community, but we can use tools to try and slow it down. We need to be on guard, and ready so that is why the country will remain at Orange on an Omicron preparedness setting.
"New Zealand has done an incredible job in reducing Delta case numbers especially in light of the Auckland boundary lifting last month and holiday travel. By staying at Orange we will be able to hold onto these gains while we continue to make preparations for Omicron.
"We're also confirming today that when we have evidence of Omicron transmitting in the community we won't use lockdowns, instead the whole country will move into Red within 24 to 48 hours.
"We know from other countries it can take as little as 14 days for Omicron cases to grow from the hundreds into the thousands. The Red setting allows businesses to remain open and domestic travel to continue, but includes mask wearing and gathering restrictions to help slow the spread of the virus and keep pressure off our health system.
"The single most important thing New Zealanders can do to prepare for Omicron is to get their booster dose before it takes off in the community.
"International evidence shows that booster doses provide good protection against Omicron, and by achieving high levels of booster protection we will be able to reduce the spread and severity of Omicron when it arrives.
"Boosters also reduce the severity of Omicron and means most people who catch the virus can safely get better at home, rather than needing hospital-level care.
"This is also the time for people to make plans for their households and workplaces, including getting a plan in place for isolating at home if needed.
"For the most part, people will be able to support themselves.
"We're working hard to make sure people who may need support through this period, be it from health care or social services, have what they need. But for the most part, people will be well enough to stay at home with whanau. So think about what you'd need to stay home for that period.
"New case management, close contact definition and testing rules that are fit for purpose for Omicron are being finalised, and include plans to support business continuity.
"For now we're asking everyone to do their part. Make sure you get your booster today," Jacinda Ardern said.
1pm - The Prime Minister will begin her update on COVID-19 shortly. We are also waiting for the 1pm update on the outbreak from the Ministry of Health.
Jacinda Ardern is speaking at Labour's caucus retreat in New Plymouth to provide an update on the Government's response to COVID-19, including the inevitable outbreak of the Omicron variant.
Cabinet ministers convened on Wednesday to assess the current traffic light settings, the planned border reopening and testing requirements as the Omicron threat looms.
Northland is currently the only region at Red, the most restrictive setting of the 'traffic light' framework.
12:35pm - The Ministry of Health will release its regular update at 1pm.
The Prime Minister will also hold a stand-up at 1:15pm as the threat of an Omicron outbreak looms. The briefing will be available to watch live via our livestream.
12:20pm - A West Coast kaupapa Māori health provider is holding its first vaccination clinic for tamariki near Hokitika this weekend as the vaccine roll-out ramps up.
Earlier this week, 476,000 tamariki aged five to 11 became eligible to get vaccinated, with nearly 30,000 tamariki around Aotearoa now already vaccinated with their first dose.
West Coast kaupapa Māori health provider Poutini Wāiora is running a vaccination day for whānau on Saturday at Arahura Marae from 10am to 4pm for eligible tamariki, and anyone else who would like to get vaccinated or receive their booster jab.
To make it a fun and comfortable experience for tamariki, free activities will be on offer, such as bouncy castles, ice creams and a sausage sizzle.
The Pfizer vaccine for tamariki is a third of the adult dose and will help to reduce the severity of COVID-19 if contracted.
"We're pleased to offer a safe space at Arahura Marae for whānau and tamariki to get vaccinated where they can connect with their whakapapa, whenua and tīpuna. While tamariki are less likely to become severely sick or be hospitalised due to COVID-19, the virus is still a major health risk for communities and some children may still get very sick," Poutini Waiora acting chief executive Lisa Tumahai said on Thursday.
Tumahai says Te Tai Poutini received its first weak-positive case this week, and it's important the region prepares before more cases crop up in the community. Earlier this month, just 83 percent of those 12 years and over living on the coast had received their second dose.
"After spending the holidays with my two four-month old moko, the importance of protecting our vulnerable tamariki is front of mind for me. I want my whānau to grow up in this COVID-19 world strong and healthy.
"Māori are a young population, with more than 30 percent of all whānau Māori under the age of 15. That's another reason why it's so important parents, caregivers and legal guardians consider vaccinating eligible tamariki, to help protect future generations of their whānau and the continuation of their whakapapa."
The vaccine is optional for young tamariki and Poutini Waiora kaimahi are happy to have a hui with anyone seeking more information about how it works. To be fully immunised against COVID-19, tamariki need two doses of the vaccine, which will usually be given at least eight weeks apart.
"Our friendly nurses are available for a kōrero to answer any pātai. The vaccine is safe."
Poutini Waiora is scheduled to run a follow-up clinic at the marae in February and will soon have its 4WD mobile clinics visiting rural communities. The health provider will also run pop-up clinics in partnership with the West Coast District Health Board around the region.
Anyone can turn up at the marae on Saturday for their vaccine, but whānau are encouraged to book ahead by visiting www.bookmyvaccine.nz or contacting District Coordinator Hamiria Hutana (03 755 6451). Transport can also be arranged by request.
More information for whānau about COVID-19 and the vaccine can be found at: https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/whanau/COVID-19/.
12:10pm - New locations of interest have been identified in Palmerston North after a person in Manawatū tested positive for COVID-19.
The locations of interest are:
- Postie, Palmerston North
- eSANZ Milson, Palmerston North
- Repco, Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North
- Steelmasters, Palmerston North.
The person visited Repco on Tremaine Ave on three consecutive days - the 17th, 18th and 19th.
Additionally, Newlands Pharmacy in Wellington has also been identified as a location of interest.
For the relevant dates, times and public health advice, click here.
12pm - Two more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Hawke's Bay, according to local health authorities.
As of Thursday, six people have tested positive for the virus in the region.
The Ministry of Health will officially notify these cases in their 1pm update, along with an additional case that missed the cut-off on Wednesday, Hawke's Bay District Health Board said in a statement.
One case is linked to the cluster in Hastings, taking that cluster to five, while the other case is likely to have contracted COVID-19 out of the region.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre said people should keep up-to-date with the locations of interest as more exposure events will be added as public health officials continue their investigations.
"We are continuing investigations and are in the process of informing any other close contacts to isolate and be tested," Dr Eyre said.
"We can now confirm the Hastings cluster is linked to the Delta outbreak."
Dr Eyre said it's crucial anyone with cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild, gets tested for COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated.
"People with symptoms need to get tested so we can avoid any potential community spread."
Drive-in testing centres and booked appointments are available and include:
Thursday, January 20:
Splash Planet Hastings, drive-in,10am - 1pm
Totara Health, drive-in, 10am - 1pm
CHB Health Centre, drive-in, 9am - 4pm.
Friday, January 21:
Splash Planet Hastings drive-through, 10am -1pm
Whitmore Park Napier, drive-through, 10am - 1pm
CHB Health Centre, drive-through, 9am - 4pm.
To book a test:
Hastings Health Centre - for booked appointments call 06 281 2644 to book between 8:30am - 5pm, Monday - Saturday
The Doctors Napier - for booked appointments call 0800 837 819 to book between 9am - 5pm daily
Takapau Health Centre - for booked appointments between Monday - Wednesday and Friday, 11:30am - 12pm call 06 855 8376
Queen Street Practice Wairoa - for booked appointments daily call 06 838 8333.
For a full list of vaccination clinics, visit www.ourhealthhb.nz or www.bookmyvaccine.nz.
11:50am - In case you missed it, Auckland's Rainbow Pride Parade has been cancelled due to "the very real threat" of the Omicron variant.
"Months of planning goes into being able to deliver an event for Auckland and the rainbow communities and while we're disappointed, health and safety is paramount for everyone participating and supporting the parade," Parade Event Manager, Shaughan Woodcock, said in a statement on Thursday.
"We want to acknowledge the groups and businesses from Auckland and rainbow groups across New Zealand who were joining us to celebrate in the parade. We had an extensive and engaged number of partners which is great to see! It is, however, important that we show support and practice safety during a time of vulnerability," co-chairs Trevor Easton and Matt Bagshaw added.
"Considering the case of 'when, not if' there was an Omicron outbreak, we believe that we need to give our partners joining the parade enough notice before incurring cost and unnecessary work. Whilst we don’t have a crystal ball, we are taking a proactive step here based on the information we have to hand today."
Woodcock added that the team know there is a "rainbow-coloured light at the end of the tunnel" and the parade will take place with "enthusiasm, colour and vibrancy" early next year.
11:40am - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will speak at Labour's caucus retreat in New Plymouth to provide an update on the Government's response to COVID-19.
The update is scheduled to begin at 1:15pm.
Cabinet ministers convened on Wednesday afternoon to assess the current traffic light settings, the planned border reopening and testing requirements as the Omicron threat looms.
Northland is the only region to remain under the more restrictive 'red' restrictions due to its relatively low vaccination rate, with the rest of the country at 'orange'.
Ardern earlier this week encouraged New Zealanders to get their booster shots, warning that an inevitable Omicron outbreak was "a case of when, not if".
She signalled there would be changes to the processes and requirements surrounding testing, isolation and contact tracing.
The update will be available to watch live on Newshub.
11:35pm - Here's what we know so far about the two new cases of Omicron in Auckland - a triple-vaccinated Auckland Airport worker and a household contact of the initial case, a staffer at an MIQ facility who tested positive on Sunday.
11:30am - In case you missed it, a person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Manawatū-Whanganui, the region's first case since November.
In a statement shared to its social media on Thursday morning, MidCentral District Health Board (DHB) confirmed the case had been identified in Manawatū.
Public health investigations are now underway and more information, including details regarding any potential exposure events, will be released as soon as possible, the DHB said.
Anyone in our community presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 is encouraged to get tested.
11:20am - New locations of interest have been released or updated as of 11am:
- FreshChoice, Greytown
- Pine Haven Orchards, Greytown
- The Big Apple Fruit Store, Greytown
- Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
- Rotorua Lakefront, Rotorua.
For the relevant dates, times and public health advice, click here.
11:15am - A number of new locations of interest have been identified in Auckland over the past 24 hours, including several high-risk exposure events:
Ara-Tai Cafe, Half Moon Bay (inside seated customers) - Tuesday, Jan 18, 12:30pm - 2pm: This is linked to an Omicron case. You're a CLOSE contact if you were seated INSIDE. Self-isolate, test immediately and on day 5 after you were exposed at this location. Further isolation and testing requirements will be provided by Public Health.
Record your visit online or call Healthline so our contact tracers can get in touch.
Longroom Nightclub, Grey Lynn - Sat, Jan 15, 7pm - 9pm: Self-isolate, test immediately and on day 5 after you were exposed at this location of interest. Further isolation and testing requirements will be provided by Public Health.
Record your visit online or call Healthline so our contact tracers can get in touch.
Family Bar and Club, Auckland CBD - Sat, Jan 15, 9:30pm - Sun, Jan 16, 12am: Self-isolate, test immediately and on day 5 after you were exposed at this location of interest. Further isolation and testing requirements will be provided by Public Health.
Record your visit online or call Healthline so our contact tracers can get in touch.
AV Club, Auckland CBD - Friday, Jan 14, 6pm - Sat, Jan 15, 5am: Self-isolate, test immediately and on day 5 after you were exposed at this location of interest. Further isolation and testing requirements will be provided by Public Health.
Record your visit online or call Healthline so our contact tracers can get in touch.
11:05am - Kia ora, good morning, and welcome to Newshub's live COVID-19 coverage for Thursday, January 20.
