Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says there is no need to panic as the country records its largest daily total of new communty cases since the pandemic began.
New Zealand has recorded the highest number of community cases in one day, with 243 new cases reported today.
Chris Hipkins Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
The previous highest number of cases reported in one day was 222 during the Delta outbreak in November.
In a statement, the Health Ministry said 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 said getting a booster dose as soon as it is due was one of the best steps to take.
"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."
Hipkins said today's record numbers were expected and will continue to grow in the coming days and weeks
"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."
It was a record day for boosters yesterday, with 66,864 booster doses given. There were also 876 first doses, 1780 second doses and 4440 paediatric doses given.
Photo: 123rf.com
There are 10 people in hospital with Covid-19, including one in ICU. Two are in Rotorua and one in Christchurch, with the rest in Auckland hospitals.
Today's new community cases were in Northland (21), Auckland (165), Waikato (34), Rotorua (1), Bay of Plenty (8), Tairāwhiti (2), Hawke's Bay (6), Nelson/Marlborough (3), Whanganui (1), and Wellington (2).
The 21 new cases in Northland include 14 cases in Kerikeri, two cases in Kaeo, one case in Kaikohe, three cases in Whangārei, and one case in Taipa Bay-Mangōnui.
Less than half of the 34 cases in Waikato today are linked to previously reported cases. Nineteen of the cases are in Hamilton, five in Ohaupo, two in Te Kuiti, two in Ngāruawāhia, one in Tirau, and the remaining with locations under investigation.
Both of the Wellington cases are under investigation for links to previous cases, but a JetStar flight between Wellington and Auckland on 29 January has been added as a location of interest. More details are available on the ministry's location of interest page.
There were also 26 cases reported at the border today, with travellers arriving from Singapore, Australia, UK, India, Egypt, Lebanon, UAE and Ireland.
There were 209 community cases reported yesterday, along with a further 64 cases at the border.