Source: Covid-19 New Zealand Government Announcements
- 446 new community cases
- 32 new cases identified at the border
- 23 cases in hospital
The Big Boost continues today, promoting the booster dose to anyone over 18 who has had their second dose more than 3 months ago. Many vaccination centres will be open extended hours over the weekend to encourage people to get their booster.
It is great to see that 43% of children in the 5 to 11 age group have already had their first dose. We want as many children as possible to be protected through vaccination.
Yesterday more than 50,000 booster doses were given, bringing the total so far to 1,772,914.
The most important step you can take to prepare for Omicron is getting your booster dose as soon as it is due. Boosters lower your chances of getting very sick and being hospitalised,
Book your vaccine now, whether it’s your first, second or booster. Every dose counts.
The 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 number of cases will continue to fluctuate from day to day, but our expectation is that cases will continue to increase in the coming weeks.
All of us 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.
Masks are most effective when worn properly — fitted snug and close to the face.
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.
