New Zealand reports 49 new community cases of COVID-19 Delta variant

WELLINGTON: DEC. 31 – New Zealand reported 49 new Delta variant cases of COVID-19 in the community on Friday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country’s current community outbreak to 10,825.

Among the new infections, 22 were recorded in the largest city of Auckland, three in nearby Waikato, 19 in Bay of Plenty, one in Hawke’s Bay and four in the Lakes, according to the Ministry of Health.

A total of 46 cases are being treated in hospitals, including eight in intensive care units or high dependency units, the ministry said in a statement.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in New Zealand stands at 13,748 currently, according to the health ministry.

To date, 95 percent of eligible people in New Zealand have had their first dose and 91 percent have double doses or been fully vaccinated.

Nationwide, 90 percent of eligible Pacific peoples are now fully vaccinated, the ministry said.

A suite of precautionary measures was announced last week in light of emerging experience overseas with Omicron. This included shortening the period between the second and booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine from six months to four months.

There are 10 Omicron cases to report among recent arrivals at the border, taking the total at the border to date to 88. There are no community Omicron cases to report, the ministry statement said.

Parents and caregivers will be able to book vaccinations for 5-11 year-olds from Jan. 17.

-Xinhua