The latest COVID-19 update reveals New Zealand has just 14 new community cases of COVID-19, with an additional nine at the border.
What you need to know:
- There were 14 new community cases announced on Tuesday and nine at the border.
- Thirty-four people are in hospital, including two in ICU or HDU.
- More than half a million doses of the paediatric Pfizer vaccine have arrived in New Zealand for children aged 5 to 11 years old.
- Click here for locations of interest.
These live updates have finished.
6:05pm - There are five new locations of interest. They are:
- BP Connect Ōtaki, January 5 from 3:20pm to 3:30pm
- Tank Juice Bar Cashel Square, January 5 from 3:51pm to 4pm
- Christchurch Casino, 9:30pm on January 5 to 12:30am on January 6
- Christchurch Adventure Park and Cafe, January 6 from 3:40pm to 6:30pm
- Liquor King Mount Victoria, January 7 from 1:01pm to 1:06pm.
5:45pm - There were just 14 new COVID-19 cases reported on Tuesday, something health officials are calling "welcome news".
Aside from the daily case numbers, you may have missed the details of the Ministry of Health's latest update.
5:15pm - There are several new locations of interest, including many in Christchurch and Wellington. They are:
- Z Waiouru, January 4 from 1pm to 1:10pm
- Subway Feilding, January 4 from 1:55pm to 2:15pm
- Countdown Feilding, January 4 from 2:20pm to 2:25pm
- New World Feilding, January 4 from 2:30pm to 2:35pm
- New World Broadway Melody's Palmerston North, January 4 from 3pm to 3:05pm
- Otehei Bay Cafe and Bar Urupukapuka Island, January 5 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm
- Kathmandu Christchurch CBD, January 5 from 3:40pm to 3:50pm
- Ballantynes Department Store Christchurch, January 5 from 4:11pm to 4:31pm
- Riverside Market Christchurch, January 5 from 4:29pm to 5pm
- Rollickin Gelato Cafe Cashel Street, January 5 from 5pm to 5:05pm
- Countdown Petone, January 6 from 7:20am to 7:40am
- Queensgate Shopping Centre Lower Hutt, January 6 from 11:05am to 11:45am
- Hype DC Queensgate, January 6 from 11:10am to 11:25am
- Merchant 1948 Queensgate Mall, January 6 from 11:30am to 11:40am
- Daily Bread Bakery Waiwhetu, January 6 from 11:55am to 12:05pm
- NZ Post Shop at Unichem Pharmacy Petone, January 6 from 4:40pm to 4:50pm
- Wittner Wellington Central, January 6 from 5pm to 5:10pm
- Kmart Riccarton, January 6 from 7:45pm to 8:30pm
- Liquor King Mount Victoria, January 8 from 12:55pm to 1:05pm
- New World Carterton, January 8 from 2:15pm to 2:30pm
- Carrington Park Public Toilets Carterton, January 8 from 2:30pm to 2:35pm.
4:40pm - There are five DHBs yet to reach the 90 percent two dose vaccination goal. They are:
- Northland: 85 percent of eligible population fully vaccinated, 8143 people remaining to reach goal
- Lakes: 89 percent fully vaccinated, 1348 remaining
- Tairāwhiti: 87 percent fully vaccinated, 1212 remaining
- Whanganui: 88 percent fully vaccinated, 1320 remaining
- West Coast: 89 percent fully vaccinated, 408 remaining.
Northland DHB is still yet to reach 90 percent of first doses. It has partially vaccinated 89 percent of its eligible population with 1902 remaining.
4:10pm - In Queensland, Australia, they have recorded 20,566 new cases and one death.
There are 502 people in hospital, 27 of which are in ICU.
3:45pm - The United States reported at least 1.13 million new coronavirus infections on Monday, according to a Reuters tally, the highest daily total of any country in the world as the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant showed no signs of slowing.
The previous record was 1.03 million cases on January 3. A large number of cases are reported each Monday due to many states not reporting over the weekend. The seven-day average for new cases has tripled in two weeks to over 700,000 new infections a day.
Not all states have yet reported on Monday and the final figure is likely to be even higher.
The record in new cases came the same day as the nation saw the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients also hit an all-time high, having doubled in three weeks, according to a Reuters tally.
There were more than 135,500 people hospitalised with COVID, surpassing the record of 132,051 set in January last year.
- Reuters
3:10pm - There are six new locations of interest, including a festival in Auckland. They are:
- Noodle Canteen Taupō, December 29 from 8:29pm to 9pm
- Hilton Lake Taupō, 7:45pm on December 29 to 8:30am on December 30
- Spoon & Paddle Cafe Taupō, December 30 from 8:23am to 9:14am
- Subway Taupō Central, January 2 from 12:35pm to 12:50pm
- Robert Harris Cafe Taupō, January 6 from 10:59am to 12pm
- Plane Sailing Music Festival Victoria Park, January 8 from 4pm to 9:30pm.
2:50pm - A three-year-old boy has become the youngest person in New South Wales to die after contracting COVID-19.
Sebastian Moroney tested positive on December 23 and had to isolate with a parent for 10 days to protect his two-week-old sister, Liora.
Sebastian spent his third birthday in isolation before dying peacefully in his home in Campbelltown in west Sydney.
The three-year-old was born with a rare genetic disease called Niemann-Pick, which affects the body's ability to metabolize fat.
2:15pm - A cafe in the Canterbury town of Geraldine is under fire for comparing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate to the Holocaust.
A sign in the window of Q Foods in the town's main street was posted to Reddit and enraged users with what it said.
"Achtung [danger]! Authorities dictate that we need to comply with mandates," the sign says.
"Under this current facsist (sic) tyranny you are required to produce 'your papers' upon entering this premises (AKA an ever-expiring quaxine passport that you will need booster shots to keep current). You may choose to wear a yellow star for quicker verification."
Reddit users called the sign "infuriating" and "awfully disrespectful".
1:55pm - The Australian state of Victoria has reported 37,994 new cases of COVID-19, up from 34,808 on Monday. There are 861 people hospitalised with the virus there, with 117 in ICU. Thirteen more people have died.
1:40pm - Christchurch City Council has sent an invoice for $14,117 to the organisers of three protest events that occurred in Cramner Square and other parts of the city before Christmas.
The Freedom and Rights Coalition group, founded by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, have been protesting the COVID-19 vaccine mandates and lockdown for months, frustrating local residents.
The fine covers the temporary traffic management (TMP) cost ramifications from the protest.
1:20pm - More from the Ministry of Health:
Today’s cases
We are reporting new community cases in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Wellington.
One of the two Northland cases was first announced yesterday but is being included in today’s official count.
In addition, we are announcing two new Canterbury cases today. These were notified after the daily cut-off and will be officially reported in tomorrow’s numbers.
Northland hospitalisation
Today we are reporting there are no COVID-19 cases in hospital in Northland, correcting our reports for the past two days.
Our systems inadvertently picked up an historical case who had previously been in hospital.
Northland last had a hospitalised COVID-19 patient in November.
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 test result. We are also asking people to regularly check the locations of interest as these are regularly updated and to follow the advice provided.
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.
Northland
There are two new case to report in Northland, one of which was announced yesterday.
The new case is in Whangārei, with investigations into links to previously reported cases ongoing.
Locations of interest will be uploaded to the Ministry of Health website as they are confirmed.
Auckland
There are 9 cases to report in Auckland today.
Health and welfare providers are now supporting 916 people in the region to isolate at home, including 189 cases.
Waikato
There are two new cases in the Waikato today, with one unlinked to a previously reported case. One is from Coromandel and one is from Te Aroha.
Pop-up testing sites are operating in Whangamatā, Te Kūiti, Taumarunui, Tokoroa, Ōtorohanga, Putāruru and Hamilton today. Testing is available at general practices in Waihi, Whangamatā, Whitianga and Te Awamutu by appointment.
There were 1179 tests processed in Waikato yesterday and 4,355 vaccinations given.
In the Waikato, Public Health, primary care and manaaki providers are supporting 32 cases to isolate at home.
Wellington
There is one new case to report in Wellington.
This case is linked to the Hidden Valley Festival in Matakana, north of Auckland. Case investigations are ongoing, and locations of interest will be added as they are confirmed.
Locations of interest for other Wellington cases are published on the Ministry website and we encourage people to check these, especially if you’ve been out of town over the holidays, remember to check those places you’ve visited in the last two weeks, and follow the instructions for symptoms and testing.
Testing sites are open around the Wellington region, with locations and opening hours on the Healthpoint website.
Canterbury
There are two new cases to announce in the Canterbury region. These cases were notified after the daily cut-off time and will be officially be added to tomorrow’s numbers.
The new cases are in South Canterbury and Canterbury.
The South Canterbury case remains under investigation but shares a location of interest with a previously reported case.
The Canterbury case remains under investigation for any link to previously reported cases.
1:10pm - There are just 14 community cases of COVID-19 being reported on Tuesday. This is being described by the Ministry of Health as "welcome news" considering increasing testing numbers.
"We thank New Zealanders for the care they have taken over the holiday period while travelling across the country and connecting with friends and family," the ministry says.
"However, we know case numbers can be quite variable from day to day and it remains likely that there will be a rise again in coming days.
"The Ministry would urge the public to remain vigilant, including scanning, wearing masks where required, and most importantly ensuring they are fully vaccinated, including people who are now eligible for a booster dose.
"With Omicron cases continuing to be detected at our border, vaccination remains our key defence against all variants of COVID-19, including Omicron."
There were nine cases found in MIQ.
"In the past 24 hours, 47,796 booster doses were given, a record to date.
"A total of 548,733 booster doses have now been given since they became available in late November 2021, representing more than 36% of those who are currently eligible.
"Boosters are strongly recommended for anyone over 18 who has had their second dose at least 4 months ago.
"From 17 January 2022, anyone who has had their second dose more than 4 months ago can book a booster at BookMyVaccine.nz. Many clinics are accepting walk-ins for boosters right now. You can also book currently by calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline team on 0800 28 29 26.
"Meanwhile, more than 90 percent of 12 to 15 year olds, are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19."
COVID-19 vaccine update
- Vaccines administered to date (percentage of eligible people): 3,982,185 first doses (95%); 3,878,883 second doses (92%); 32,682 third primary doses; 548,733 booster doses
- Vaccines administered yesterday: 1,384 first doses; 3,967 second doses; 724 third primary doses and 47,796 booster doses.
- Māori (percentage of eligible people): 503,496 first doses (88%); 469,401 second doses (82%)
- Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people): 272,800 first doses (95%); 262,473 second doses (92%)
Vaccination rates by DHB with active cases (percentage of eligible people)
- Northland DHB: First doses (89%); second doses (85%)
- Auckland Metro DHBs: First doses (96%); second doses (94%)
- Waikato DHB: First doses (94%); second doses (91%)
- Bay of Plenty DHB: First doses (94%); second doses (90%)
- Lakes DHB: First doses (92%); second doses (89%)
- Taranaki DHB: First doses (93%); second doses (90%)
- Tairāwhiti DHB: First doses (92%); second doses (87%)
- Hawke’s Bay DHB: First doses (95%); second doses (92%)
- Canterbury DHB: First doses (98%); second doses (96%)
- Capital and Coast DHB: First doses (98%); second doses (96%)
- Hutt Valley DHB: First doses (96%); second doses (94%)
Hospitalisations
- Cases in hospital: 34; Northland 0; North Shore: 4; Auckland: 12; Middlemore: 13; Tauranga: 4; Waikato 1
- Vaccination status of current hospitalisations (Northern Region wards only): Unvaccinated or not eligible (9 cases / 33%); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (7 cases / 26%); fully vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (10 cases / 37%); 1 unknown (4%).
- Average age of current hospitalisations: 55
- Cases in ICU or HDU: 2; Middlemore: 1; Tauranga: 1
Cases
- Seven day rolling average of community cases: 27
- Number of new community cases: 14
- Number of new cases identified at the border: 9
- Location of new community cases: Northland (2) Auckland (9), Waikato (2), Wellington (1)
- Number of community cases (total): 11,183 (in current community outbreak)
- Cases epidemiologically linked (total): 8447
- Number of active cases (total): 729 (cases identified in the past 21 days and not yet classified as recovered)
- Confirmed cases (total): 14,381
Contacts
- Number of active contacts being managed (total): 4,922
- Percentage who have received an outbound call from contact tracers (to confirm testing and isolation requirements): 82%
- Percentage who have returned at least one result: 79%
Tests
- Number of tests total (last 24 hours): 14,705
- Tests rolling average (last 7 days): 13,209
- Auckland tests total (last 24 hours): 6,761
Wastewater
- There were no unexpected wastewater detections.
NZ COVID Tracer
- Poster scans in the 24 hours to midday yesterday: 2,143,099
- Manual diary entries in the 24 hours to midday: 46,671
My Vaccine Pass
- My vaccine pass downloads total: 4,726,800
- My vaccine pass downloads (last 24 hours): 8,041
12:40pm - We are now waiting on the Ministry of Health's update. It should arrive shortly after 1pm.
12:20pm - A New Zealand epidemiologist has warned the Government a delayed start of opening schools is needed to prevent the effects of the Omicron variant of COVID-19
Amanda Kvalsvig, an epidemiologist from the University of Otago, said "we have time to act" which is a "huge advantage" - but New Zealand needed more key protections to be ready against Omicron.
12:05pm - There is a new location of interest: Malones Motel, Rotorua between January 1 at 3pm and January 2 at 3am, and between January 2 at 3pm and January 3 at 3am.
"Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 10 days after you were exposed. If symptoms develop, get a test and stay at home until you get a negative test result."
11:50am - Pfizer Inc chief executive Albert Bourla on Monday said a redesigned COVID-19 vaccine that specifically targets the Omicron coronavirus variant is likely needed and his company could have one ready to launch by March.
Bourla said Pfizer and partner BioNTech SE are working on both an Omicron-targeted vaccine version as well as a shot that would include both the previous vaccine as well as one targeted at the fast-spreading variant.
"I think it is the most likely scenario," Bourla said, speaking at JP Morgan's annual healthcare conference, which is being held virtually this year. "We're working on higher doses. We're working [on] different schedules.
"We're doing a lot of things right now, as we speak."
11:35am - New South Wales has recorded 25,870 new cases of COVID-19 over the last 24 hours. That's up from 20,293 on Monday.
The Australian state has also sadly seen 11 more deaths, while 2186 people are in hospital with the virus. Of those, 170 are in ICU.
11:20am - Kia ora, good morning and welcome to Newshub's live updates for Tuesday.
We are awaiting the latest case update from the Ministry of Health, but one case mentioned by the ministry on Monday will be counted on Tuesday.
"There is one new case to announce in Northland today – in the Hokianga area," the ministry said on Monday.
"This case was reported after the daily cut-off and will be included in tomorrow’s figures.
"This case is linked to a known case in the Hokianga and was already in isolation as a close contact when they tested positive. Further investigations are underway to confirm any potential exposures from this case."
