Today we are reporting 17,148 community cases, 842 hospitalisations and 34 deaths. We have seen an increase today in case numbers across most regions of New Zealand, however it’s not unexpected as we generally see lower testing and reporting over weekends.
Despite today's increase, it's encouraging to see the seven day rolling average of cases decline. Today's seven day rolling average is 15,565; this compares with the seven day rolling average of cases as at last Tuesday of 17,020.
Getting boosted continues to be one of the most important ways people can protect themselves from Omicron and severe illness.
There is a much lower risk of being hospitalised if you are up to date with your vaccinations, which, for Omicron, includes a third or booster dose if eligible.