New Zealand is fighting back against the Delta outbreak as the number of community cases rises by 21 this afternoon, with a record number of vaccinations and tests yesterday.
Downtown Auckland today. Photo: RNZ/ Nik Dirga
A bus driver linked to Royal Oak Intermediate School in Auckland has tested positive, and contact tracers are working to identify the students who were on the bus, as they are considered close contacts.
Meanwhile, a University of Auckland student who has tested positive has been linked to a ball held at Aotea Centre 14 August reportedly attended by up to 500 students, as well as other locations.
The total number of community cases linked to the current Auckland outbreak rose to 51 today.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealand hit two records yesterday, with the most number of vaccines and tests carried out.
There were 56,843 vaccines administered yesterday and 72 percent of NZers aged 40+ are either booked or have been vaccinated with at least one dose.
"This is great progress," Ardern said.
More than 150,000 vaccination bookings were made yesterday.
Yesterday also saw the most Covid-19 tests processed in a single day, with 41,464 tests completed.
"The fact we have achieved both these results on the same day is extraordinary and is exactly what we need to do to get on top of the outbreak and for the future."
Meanwhile, several new locations of interest in Wellington and a second flight into the city have also been announced today
Locations include supermarkets in Kilbirnie and Newtown, while a second flight to Wellington, Flight NZ443 from 4.30 to 5.30pm Thursday has been added. Several petrol stations between Auckland and Wellington have been added as well, including stations in Bulls, Waiorou and Tokoroa.
A full list can be seen on the Ministry's website.
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