Today we are reporting 8,531 community cases, 635 hospitalisations and 11 deaths. Case numbers are continuing to decline, along with the seven-day rolling average.
Today's seven-day average is 10,843, while last Saturday it was 13,804. Vaccination remains our best defence against COVID-19 and getting boosted is an important way people can protect themselves, their whānau and their friends from the virus.
A reminder that people aged 16 and 17 can now receive a free booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after completion of their primary course.
A booster, in addition to first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, is the best defence against Omicron and severe illness.