A record 243 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the community, higher than the previous record of 222 in November.
But more boosters were also administered on Friday than any other day.
What you need to know:
- There were 243 new community cases in New Zealand of any variant on Saturday
- There were 10 people in hospital: two in North Shore, three in Middlemore, two in Auckland City, two in Rotorua, and one in Christchurch.
- The interval between the second dose of the vaccine and the booster is being shortened to three months, rather than four months
- The Government has released a five-step plan for reopening New Zealand. This includes Kiwis from Australia bypassing MIQ from February 28.
These live updates have now closed.
4:30pm - Kiwis have got behind the drive to get boosted with a record 66,864 people getting their third jab yesterday, taking the total to more than 1.5 million.
The wait for getting a booster was cut from four months to three earlier this week, having been reduced from six months to four months last year, in an effort to prepare the country for the Omicron outbreak.
"Bringing forward the booster timing will help those who have been immunised more recently. It will mean more people, especially Māori, will be able to receive a booster before Omicron takes hold in communities," Chris Hipkins said at the announcement on Wednesday.
"Boosters lower your chances of getting very sick from the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and ending up in hospital. Fewer hospitalisations from COVID-19 will mean our health system can continue to provide the full range of care people need, in particular for our most vulnerable such as people with disabilities or long-term illnesses.
"It is also important to reduce impacts on other workforces such as those involved with the supply chain to ensure people have access to goods and services."
4:00pm - The Ministry of Health has sent out a reminder about the new rules around face mask
Everyone is now required to wear a mask attached to the face by loops around the ears or head. This means you can no longer use scarves, bandanas, or t-shirts as face-coverings.
3:40pm - New case numbers in New South Wales have dropped below 10,000 fr the first time this year. The state recorded 8389 new cases on Saturday, down from 10,698 the day before and off the highs that saw case numbers breaking the 20,000 mark.
NSW also recorded 18 new COVID-19 related deaths.
Queensland recorded it's worst day since the start of the pandemic with 21 COVID-19 related deaths and 8,508 new cases.
Four of the people who died were not vaccinated, two had one dose, 13 had two doses and two had three doses.
Victoria recorded 14 COVID-19 related deaths and 7810 new cases, the seecond lowest total this year.
3:20pm - There is a realistic possibility of large waves of COVID-19 infection in the future in Britain and such waves might even be considered likely, epidemiologists who model the COVID-19 pandemic to inform government advice have said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ditched legal restrictions in England, saying that, while the pandemic was not over, Britain needs to learn to live with COVID.
The Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) said the emergence of new viral variants was the biggest unknown factor in the medium-to-long term, along with waning population immunity and changes in mixing patterns.
"Large future waves of infection that need active management to prevent detrimental pressure on the health and care sector are, at least, a realistic possibility (high confidence) or likely (medium confidence)," SPI-M-O said in a consensus statement published on Friday.
Britain has reported 157,730 deaths from COVID-19, the seventh highest total globally, and Johnson has faced heavy criticism for his handling of the pandemic, which has seen three national lockdowns.
Reuters
2:50pm - Hoyts Cinemas Botany Downs in the latest high risk location of interest. People who visited the cinema between 8:42pm - 11:30pm on Sunday January 30th should self-isolate.
For more details click here.
2:30pm - COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says today’s numbers are expected given what we know about the Omicron variant.
"We do expect case numbers to continue to grow in the coming days and weeks and I urge people not to panic but to plan for that.
"The best thing you can do to prevent illness is to get vaccinated, and get your booster. Wear a mask when you’re around others, cough into your elbow and wash your hands regularly.
"The same measures we have used all along to protect ourselves from COVID-19 will help us now as case numbers rise.
"You should also make sure you have the things you need if you get the virus and are required to isolate. Your usual medicines to help if you feel under the weather, some food in the freezer and a bit extra in the pantry. And make sure you have someone you can contact if you’ve forgotten something.
"Finally, if you get really sick call Healthline or if it’s an emergency call 111. Don’t be a hero – our health professionals are here to help."
2:00pm - Tarka Indian Eatery in Mission Bay and F45 Training in Mount Eden have both been named as high risk locations of interest by the Ministry of Health.
People who were in the Indian restaurant on Sunday between 6:30pm and 11:00pm and at F45 on Wednesday January 26 between midday and 1:15 pm should self-isolate immediately.
For more information click here.
1:30pm - Here's a reminder from the Ministry of Health for Waitangi weekend:
"We are reminding you that if you are going away this Waitangi weekend, you should have plans in place in the event you are identified as a close contact, get COVID-19 symptoms, or find out you have COVID-19," the ministry says.
"You are likely to need to self-isolate wherever you become a close contact or test positive, so there may be extra costs involved in paying for additional accommodation and changing your travel plans."
1:20pm - Today’s cases
We are reporting new community cases in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Lakes, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Whanganui, and Wellington.
We are also officially reporting three cases in Nelson Marlborough which were announced by the Ministry yesterday.
Northland
Today we are reporting 21 new cases in Northland.
These include 14 cases Kerikeri, two cases in Kaeo, one case in Kaikohe, three cases in Whangārei, and one case in Taipa Bay-Mangōnui.
Auckland
There are 165 cases to report in Auckland today.
Health and welfare providers are now supporting 1,830 people in the region to isolate at home, including 728 cases.
Waikato
We are reporting 34 cases in Waikato today.
Of these cases, 15 are linked to previously reported cases and the rest remain under investigation for links to previously reported cases.
Nineteen of these cases are reported for Hamilton, five in Ohaupo, two in Te Kuiti, two in Ngāruawāhia, one in Tirau, and the remaining with locations under investigation.
Lakes
We are reporting one new case in the Rotorua district today. This case is linked to a previously reported case.
Bay of Plenty
There are eight cases to report in the Bay of Plenty today, with six linked to a previously reported cases and two are yet to be connected to the outbreak with investigations underway.
Of these eight cases, five are in Tauranga, and three are in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Tairāwhiti
There are two new cases to report in Tairāwhiti today. One of these cases was first announced yesterday.
Both cases remain under investigation to identify links to previously reported cases.
Hawke’s Bay
Today we are reporting six new cases in Hawke’s Bay, with all linked to previously reported cases and isolating.
Whanganui
We are reporting one new case in the Whanganui district today.
The case is a close contact of a previously reported case in another region.
The case was isolating when they tested positive and, at this stage, local public health staff have assessed there are no exposure events associated with this case.
Wellington
We are reporting two cases in Wellington city today.
Both cases remain under investigation for links to previously reported cases. One case is isolating at home and the other in managed accommodation.
Today, we are publishing an additional location of interest in the Wellington region.
- Flight Jetstar 252, Wellington-Auckland, Saturday 29 January, 7.59am and 8.59am.
You are considered a close contact if you were seated in rows 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. Please self-isolate, test immediately and on day five after you were exposed at this location of interest. Further isolation and testing requirements will be provided by Public Health.
1:10pm - New Zealand has recorded 243 new community cases, the most the country has ever reported in a single day. But there was also a record of another kind - the most boosters administered in one day.
"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," the ministry says.
"We can all play our part to slow the spread of the virus, help protect our most vulnerable people from being infected, and ensure our health system is able to manage extra demand for services.
"This means continuing to do the basics well – staying home if unwell, and wearing a mask, physical distancing and scanning in using the NZ COVID Tracer app when you’re out and about.
"All masks are effective when worn properly – fitted snug and close to the face – including three-layer fabric and surgical masks.
"Anyone with any cold or flu symptoms that could be COVID-19 is asked to get a test and isolate at home until a negative result is returned.
"The most common early symptoms of the Omicron variant are a sore or scratchy throat, and a runny nose. Even if you develop a small sniffle, please get a test.
"And finally, one of the best steps you can take is getting your booster dose as soon as it is due. 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.
"Yesterday was a record day for boosters, with 66,864 booster doses administered taking the total so far to more than 1.5 million.
"As of today, more than 90% of Hawke's Bay’s Māori population have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Twelve DHB regions now have more than 90% of Māori partially vaccinated."
COVID-19 vaccine update
- Vaccines administered to date (percentage of eligible people): 4,046,832 first doses (96%); 3,971,743 second doses (94%); 1,511,766 booster doses (49%)
- Vaccines administered yesterday: 876 first doses; 1,780 second doses; 4,440 paediatric doses; 66,864 booster doses.
- Māori (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 514,182 first doses (90%); 488,653 second doses (86%).
- Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 278,038 first doses (97%); 270,434 second doses (94%).
- Paediatric vaccines administered to date (percentage of 5-11-year-olds): 192,661 first doses (40%)
- Māori (percentage of eligible people aged 5-11): 26,008 first doses (23%)
- Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people aged 5-11): 14,859 first doses (30%)
Vaccination rates for all DHBs (percentage of eligible people aged 12 +)
- Northland DHB: First doses (89.9%); second doses (87%)
- Auckland Metro DHBs: First doses (97%); second doses (96%)
- Waikato DHB: First doses (95%); second doses (93%)
- Bay of Plenty DHB: First doses (95%); second doses (92%)
- Lakes DHB: First doses (93%); second doses (91%)
- MidCentral DHB: First doses (96%); second doses (94%)
- Tairawhiti DHB: First doses (93%); second doses (89.6%)
- Whanganui DHB: First doses (92%); second doses (89.6%)
- Hawke’s Bay: First doses (97%); second doses (94%)
- Taranaki DHB: First doses (95%); second doses (92%)
- Wairarapa DHB: First doses (96%); second doses (94%)
- Capital and Coast DHB: First doses (98%); second doses (97%)
- Hutt Valley DHB: First doses (97%); second doses (95%)
- Nelson Marlborough DHB: First doses (96%); second doses (95%)
- West Coast DHB: First doses (93%); second doses (90%)
- Canterbury DHB: First doses (99%); second doses (98%)
- South Canterbury DHB: First doses (95%); second doses (94%)
- Southern DHB: First doses (98%); second doses (96%)
Hospitalisations
- Cases in hospital: 10; North Shore: 2; Middlemore: 3; Auckland: 2; Rotorua: 2; Christchurch: 1
- Average age of current hospitalisations: 60
- Cases in ICU or HDU: 1
- Vaccination status of current hospitalisations (Northern Region wards only): Unvaccinated or not eligible (1 case / 20%); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (N/A cases / 0%); fully vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (4 cases / 80%).
Cases
- Seven day rolling average of community cases: 148
- Seven day rolling average of border cases: 44
- Number of new community cases: 243
- Number of new cases identified at the border: 26
Contacts
- Number of active contacts being managed (total): 5,243
- Percentage who has received an outbound call from contact tracers (to confirm testing and isolation requirements): 76%
- Percentage who has returned at least one result: 72%
- Tests
- Number of tests total (last 24 hours): 21,471
- Tests rolling average (last 7 days): 19,600
- Auckland tests total (last 24 hours): 9,687
Wastewater
- No unusual detections to report.
NZ COVID Tracer
- Poster scans in the 24 hours to midday yesterday: 2,536,350
- Manual diary entries in the 24 hours to midday: 42,450
My Vaccine Pass
- Total issued to date: 5,043,716
- Total yesterday: 14,024
1:05pm - There are two new close contact locations of interest:
- F45 training Mount Eden, Auckland - Wednesday, January 26 between 12:06pm and 1:15pm
- A private event at Tarka Indian Eastery, Mission Bay, Auckland - Sunday, January 30 between 6:30pm and 11pm
1pm - We are waiting on the 1pm Ministry of Health COVID-19 update now.
12:40pm - Spain will next week lift a requirement for people to wear masks outdoors, extending a wider rollback of restrictions as contagion slowly recedes in the country.
It's not the only country currently looking at easing restrictions. Find out more about what is happening around the world here.
12:20pm - So far on Saturday, there have been no new locations of interest reported by the Ministry of Health. We will let you know if any come through over the course of the day.
12:05pm - A COVID-19 modeller says the people who get infected with COVID-19 this long weekend may not show up on the case tally for another two weeks.
Professor Michael Plank said it could take several days to develop symptoms, a couple of days for someone to get a test, then another couple of days for the results to come back.
"Whatever number of infections we do get on Waitangi Day, that won't be reflected in the case numbers for another two weeks yet," he said.
11:55am - U.S. health officials on Friday said they are considering lengthening the recommended interval between the first two doses of the most widely used COVID-19 vaccines to eight weeks to lower the risk of heart inflammation and improve their effectiveness.
Dr. Sara Oliver, an official at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said the agency was considering making the recommendation for Moderna and Pfizer /BioNTech shots during a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of outside advisers to the CDC.
In the United States, the recommended interval between the first two shots of Pfizer's vaccine is three weeks and for Moderna's, four.
In her presentation, Dr. Oliver said an extended interval appears to reduce the risk of already rare cases of myocarditis, and that the lowest rates of heart inflammation following vaccination occur if the vaccines are given eight weeks apart.
Myocarditis is a rare side effect seen with mRNA vaccines - the technology behind both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna shots. It appears to be more common among young men.
Oliver also said the extended interval appears to increase vaccine efficacy.
- Reuters
11:40am - While we are waiting for Saturday's update, here's a look back at a summary of cases after Friday's cases were reported.
11:20am - A woman who had flown for 30 hours was then forced to board another plane to an MIQ facility despite telling staff she was feeling sick.
The passenger says airline staff told her she was lying, despite her fainting when she landed at Christchurch.
11:10am - New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and associate Health Minister Aupito William Sio say New Zealand is donating more Pfizer vaccines to Tonga and Samoa, which are currently facing rising cases.
Mahuta says 9,300 additional vaccines are heading Tonga's way and 10,000 are going to Samoa.
"These donations are part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to global vaccination efforts and are part of our plans to support vaccine rollout in the Pacific," she says.
Sio says they will allow frontline workers and vulnerable populations to access a booster as soon as possible.
New Zealand has now donated 47,000 vaccines to Tonga and 94,000 to Samoa.
11am - Kia ora, good morning and welcome to Newshub's live updates for Saturday. We are waiting for the 1pm update from the Ministry of Health to see if New Zealand has broken its daily case record of 222, set back in November.
