New Zealand's streak of five consecutive days of a reduction of COVID cases is over with the Ministry of Health announcing 15,540 new infections on Monday.
The health ministry also said two people have died with COVID-19 in Waikato and Canterbury taking the New Zealand's total to 115.
Hospitalisations also took a slight jump to a record high of 952 with 19 people in ICU.
What you need to know:
- There were 15,540 new COVID-19 cases recorded on Monday.
- Location of new community cases (PCR & RAT): Northland (482), Auckland (4,730), Waikato (1,532), Bay of Plenty (1,023), Lakes (457), Hawke’s Bay (680), MidCentral (528), Whanganui (162), Taranaki (343), Tairāwhiti (262), Wairarapa (167), Capital and Coast (1,191), Hutt Valley (749), Nelson Marlborough (373), Canterbury (1,896), South Canterbury (130), Southern (795), West Coast (31); Unknown (9).
- There are 952 people in hospital, including 19 in ICU
- Average age of current hospitalisations: 58
- Locations of hospitalisations: Northland: 23; North Shore: 185; Middlemore: 210; Auckland: 210; Waikato: 78; Bay of Plenty: 34; Lakes: 13; Tairāwhiti: 3, Hawke’s Bay: 23; Taranaki: 9; MidCentral: 20; Whanganui: 3; Hutt Valley: 23; Capital and Coast: 61; Wairarapa: 7; Nelson Marlborough: 9; Canterbury: 29; Southern: 12.
- Isolation period for anyone that tests positive for COVID and their household contacts has reduced from 10 to seven days
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2pm - Here's the latest case summary from the Ministry of Health including Monday's figures:
1:40pm - It's too early to say we've peaked, and declining tallies are no reason to celebrate as COVID-19 is still rife in our communities, an epidemiologist says.
University of Auckland professor Rod Jackson said the coronavirus is occurring so frequently right now that anyone with COVID-like symptoms can assume they have virus, unless they get a negative PCR test.
The reported cases are thought to be a fraction of the actual cases out there in the community, he said. So, early celebrations about a dip in case numbers are both premature, and rely on an incomplete picture of what is actually happening.
1:29pm - Here is a graph that shows the trend of New Zealand's COVID cases in 2022.
1:21pm - Here is the latest data from the Ministry of Health on the outbreak and vaccination campaign:
Vaccinations administered in New Zealand
- Vaccines administered to date: 4,022,786 first doses; 3,968,709 second doses; 34,299 third primary doses; 2,516,396 booster doses: 254,288 paediatric first doses and 8,257 paediatric second doses
- Vaccines administered yesterday: 74 first doses; 223 second doses; 6 third primary doses; 3,199 booster doses; 334 paediatric first doses and 526 paediatric second doses
People vaccinated
- All Ethnicities (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 4,068,653 first dose (96.7%); 4,011,575 second dose (95.3%), 2,518,035 boosted (72.7% of those eligible)
- Māori (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 520,923 first dose (91.2%); 502,028 second dose (87.9%), 220,656 boosted (59.3% of those eligible)
- Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 281,615 first dose (98.2%); 276,021 second dose (96.3%), 132,078 boosted (59.7% of those eligible)
- 5 to 11-year-olds all ethnicities: 254,056 first dose (53.3%); 8,107 second dose (1.7%)
- 5 to 11-year-olds - Māori: 39,258 first dose (34%); 1,253 second dose (1.1%)
- 5 to 11-year-olds - Pacific Peoples: 22,787 first dose (46.1%); 860 second dose (1.7%)
Note that the number for “People vaccinated” differs slightly from “Vaccines administered” as it includes those that have been vaccinated overseas.
Vaccination rates for all DHBs*
- Northland DHB: first dose (90.5%); second dose (88.2%); boosted (69.9%)
- Auckland Metro DHB: first dose (97.4%); second dose (96.3%); boosted (70.7%)
- Waikato DHB: first dose (95.5%); second dose (93.8%); boosted (68.4%)
- Bay of Plenty DHB: first dose (95.4%); second dose (93.6%); boosted (69.1%)
- Lakes DHB: first dose (93.7%); second dose (91.7%); boosted (69.4%)
- MidCentral DHB: first dose (97%); second dose (95.5%); boosted (74.6%)
- Tairāwhiti DHB: first dose (93.6%); second dose (91.1%); boosted (69.9%)
- Whanganui DHB: first dose (92.5%); second dose (90.7%); boosted (74.2%)
- Hawke’s Bay DHB: first dose (97.4%); second dose (95.6%); boosted (72.8%)
- Taranaki DHB: first dose (95%); second dose (93.4%); boosted (70%)
- Wairarapa DHB: first dose (96.9%); second dose (95.3%); boosted (75.3%)
- Capital & Coast DHB: first dose (98.9%); second dose (98.1%); boosted (81.1%)
- Hutt Valley DHB: first dose (97%); second dose (95.8%); boosted (77.3%)
- Nelson Marlborough DHB: first dose (97%); second dose (95.6%); boosted (76.2%)
- West Coast DHB: first dose (93.2%); second dose (91.4%); boosted (74%)
- Canterbury DHB: first dose (100%); second dose (98.9%); boosted (75.5%)
- South Canterbury DHB: first dose (95.5%); second dose (94.3%); boosted (76.7%)
- Southern DHB: first dose (98.4%); second dose (97.1%); boosted (75.1%)
*Partially and second doses percentages are for those 12+. Boosted percentages are for 18+ who have become eligible 3 months after having their second dose
Percentages are based on 2020 HSU data - a health-specific population denominator. As the population continues to change over time, coverage rates can exceed 100%.
Hospitalisations*
- Cases in hospital: total number 952: Northland: 23; North Shore: 185; Middlemore: 210; Auckland: 210; Waikato: 78; Bay of Plenty: 34; Lakes: 13; Tairāwhiti: 3, Hawke’s Bay: 23; Taranaki: 9; MidCentral: 20; Whanganui: 3; Hutt Valley: 23; Capital and Coast: 61; Wairarapa: 7; Nelson Marlborough: 9; Canterbury: 29; Southern: 12.
- Average age of current hospitalisations: 58
- Cases in ICU or HDU: 19
- Vaccination status of current hospitalisations (Northern Region only, excluding Emergency Departments): Unvaccinated or not eligible (101 cases / 18%); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (20 cases / 4%); double vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (204 cases / 36%); Received booster at least 7 days before being reported as a case (172 cases / 31%); unknown (62 cases / 11%)
*The figures show that just over 3% of people aged 12 and over in the Northern Region have had no doses of the vaccine, while of those aged 12 and over in Northland and Auckland hospitals with COVID-19 for whom we have vaccination status recorded, 15% have had no doses of the vaccine and are five times over-represented in our hospitalisation figures.
Cases
- Seven day rolling average of community cases: 19,566
- Number of new community cases: 15,540
- Number of new community cases (PCR): 209
- Number of new community cases (RAT): 15,353
- Location of new community cases (PCR & RAT): Northland (482), Auckland (4,730), Waikato (1,532), Bay of Plenty (1,023), Lakes (457), Hawke’s Bay (680), MidCentral (528), Whanganui (162), Taranaki (343), Tairāwhiti (262), Wairarapa (167), Capital and Coast (1,191), Hutt Valley (749), Nelson Marlborough (373), Canterbury (1,896), South Canterbury (130), Southern (795), West Coast (31); Unknown (9)
- Number of new cases identified at the border: 22
- Number of active community cases (total): 190,321 (cases identified in the past 10 days and not yet classified as recovered)
- Confirmed cases (total): 376,676.
Please note, the Ministry of Health’s daily reported cases may differ slightly from those reported at a DHB or local public health unit level. This is because of different reporting cut off times and the assignment of cases between regions, for example when a case is tested outside their usual region of residence. Total numbers will always be the formal daily case tally as reported to the WHO.
Tests
- Number of PCR tests total (last 24 hours): 1,762
- Number of Rapid Antigen Tests total (last 24 hours): 34,045
- PCR tests rolling average (last 7 days incl 12/03/22): 3,948
- Number of Rapid Antigen Tests dispatched (last 7 days as of 14/03/22): 14.8 million
1:20pm - The ministry has provided an update on the Omicron outbreak:
Today we are reporting 15,540 new community cases, 952 people in hospital with the virus, and two COVID-19 related deaths.
We know the Omicron variant can cause serious illness and death either directly or by its impact on other health conditions, particularly for our older and more vulnerable New Zealanders. The importance of getting boosted cannot be under-estimated.
Getting vaccinated and boosted will help reduce your risk of severe COVID-19 illness and could save your life. Getting boosted will not only reduce your risk of severe illness, but it will also help to protect our most vulnerable communities.
Testing
Please continue to get tested if you have symptoms. Even if you think you might have COVID-19, it’s better to test and know for sure.
If you have symptoms, but you’re unsure whether or not to get a test, please contact your health professional or Health on 0800 358 5453 and follow advice. Getting tested remains one of the best ways to find any undetected community transmission.
Please continue with all the usual precautions of staying home when sick; wearing masks as directed; washing hands and scanning as you go.
Registering your result
If you test positive with a rapid antigen test, it’s essential you register your positive result How to report your RAT results | Unite against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz)
As we’re seeing the vast majority of positive results coming from rapid antigen tests, it’s essential people continue to register their result, whether it is positive or negative.
We want to know if you test positive. It’s the best way to give public health officials an overview of case numbers in particular areas of New Zealand, to help determine the best spread of public health resources. It’s also important if your condition worsens and you require additional healthcare.
The Ministry would like to thank the many people who are reporting their Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results – both positive and negative.
1:19pm - Ministry of Health's update on COVID-19 related deaths:
The Ministry of Health is today reporting the deaths of two people with COVID-19. Of these deaths, one occurred in Waikato, and one in Canterbury. Both people were women aged over 70 years.
The total number of publicly reported COVID-19 related deaths to date is now 115.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the whānau and friends of all those who have died.
Out of respect for affected families, we will be making no further comment.
1:18pm - The Ministry of Health has announced an increase in COVID cases with 15,540 new infections and 952 people in hospital.
The health ministry also said two people have died with COVID-19 on Monday in Waikato and Canterbury.
Of the new community cases, Northland (482), Auckland (4,730), Waikato (1,532), Bay of Plenty (1,023), Lakes (457), Hawke’s Bay (680), MidCentral (528), Whanganui (162), Taranaki (343), Tairāwhiti (262), Wairarapa (167), Capital and Coast (1,191), Hutt Valley (749), Nelson Marlborough (373), Canterbury (1,896), South Canterbury (130), Southern (795), West Coast (31); Unknown (9)
The ministry announced there are 952 people in hospital with 19 in ICU or HDU.
Of the 952 people in hospital: Northland: 23; North Shore: 185; Middlemore: 210; Auckland: 210; Waikato: 78; Bay of Plenty: 34; Lakes: 13; Tairāwhiti: 3, Hawke’s Bay: 23; Taranaki: 9; MidCentral: 20; Whanganui: 3; Hutt Valley: 23; Capital and Coast: 61; Wairarapa: 7; Nelson Marlborough: 9; Canterbury: 29; Southern: 12.
There are 22 new COVID cases recorded at the border in Managed Isolation and Quarantine.
12:55pm - The Ministry of Health will announce Monday's latest COVID figures by a press release very shortly. We will publish the numbers here as soon as we have them.
12:50pm - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has told AM on Monday that the Government will make an announcement on when tourists can return to New Zealand.
Initially, the Government's reopening plan said tourists would be able to return from July but indicated late last month those timings would be reviewed due to the high number of COVID cases in the community and less risk at the border.
"This week we'll be announcing those dates and the fact that they will be coming forward," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told AM on Monday.
"Over the weekend we saw the ability to return for working visa holders so our backpackers that play such an important role in our horticulture and tourism industry, they're now able to return… they are part of our workforce.
Read the full story here.
12:40pm - The Ministry of Health will release a statement with the latest updates on the COVID-19 outbreak at around 1pm.
Stay tuned, as we will publish the newest developments live as soon as the statement is available.
12:30pm - It's too early to say we've peaked, and declining tallies are no reason to celebrate as COVID-19 is still rife in our communities, an epidemiologist says.
University of Auckland professor Rod Jackson said the coronavirus is occurring so frequently right now that anyone with COVID-like symptoms can assume they have virus, unless they get a negative PCR test.
The reported cases are thought to be a fraction of the actual cases out there in the community, he said. So, early celebrations about a dip in case numbers are both premature, and rely on an incomplete picture of what is actually happening.
Yesterday was the fifth day in a row the Ministry of Health said recorded case numbers have declined, with 14,494 new COVID-19 cases reported on Saturday, and the total number of infections dropping by 9000 to 197,251 people currently infected.
The dip was especially marked for Auckland, which on 8 March reported 10,000 cases, but was down to 4509 yesterday.
Read the full story here.
12:05pm - In Victoria, they have announced a slight increase in COVID cases with 5499 new infections in the past 24-hours.
Victoria Health said there was one person who died with coronavirus in the last reporting period.
Hospitalisations in Victoria have slightly increased with 198 people in hospital, up from 195 on Sunday, with 25 in ICU and seven people on a ventilator.
There are currently, 40,393 active cases in Victoria.
11:50am - Over in Australia, New South Wales has seen a big drop in COVID cases over the past 24 hours with 8911 new infections announced on Monday.
It comes after New South Wales recorded 13,093 COVID cases on Sunday.
NSW Health said that there was one person that died with COVID-19 in the 24-hour reporting period to 4pm on Sunday.
Cases might but coming down but hospitalisations are increasing with 1005 people in hospital, up from 965 on Sunday, with 47 in ICU.
11:35am - Tairāwhiti District Health Board (DHB) have announced they will reduce non-urgent services and planned care at Gisborne Hospital from today to keep capacity for an increase in people needing COVID related care.
In a statement, Tairāwhiti DHB said the measures are due to rising COVID-19 cases affecting the availability of frontline staff and the need to keep capacity for an increase in people needing COVID related care.
The reduction in services will allow urgent cases to be prioritised, such as emergencies, people with a high suspicion of cancer and others identified by clinicians as needing urgent attention.
Hauora Tairāwhiti chief executive Jim Green says the measures will ensure there is enough staff to support any urgent care the community may need, while still making sure planned care services continue as much as possible.
"We know people have been waiting for their procedures to happen and apologise for further delay," Green says.
"This is a temporary measure and as soon as the situation normalises, we'll resume normal service and continue our efforts to catch-up on delayed procedures," he said.
He said most outpatients' appointments will continue by video or phone. Staff will be contacting anyone who has their appointments changed. If you're not contacted, you can assume your appointment is proceeding as planned.
11:30am - Kia ora, good morning, and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the COVID-19 Omicron outbreak for Monday, March 14.
