Friday 12 November, 1pm 

There are 201 new cases in the community today. 

181 are in Auckland, 15 are in Waikato, 4 are in Northland and 1 is in Stratford, Taranaki.

Yesterday, 6 cases in Stratford were confirmed. 5 cases -announced last night - will be included in tomorrow's figures. 1 of the 6 cases is in hospital, while the other 5 are isolating at home. 

Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay also touched on the recent deaths of those with Covid in Auckland. In this outbreak, three people who were isolating at home with the virus have died.

Health authorities have been criticised for their handling of home isolation cases, with reports highlighting people and families struggling to get support after being told to isolate at home. 

"We are very aware of the grief and hurt whānau who have lost loved ones to Covid-19 are experiencing," she said.

"This is a serious virus and none of us can afford to underestimate it. If you and your loved ones and you feel that you or their condition is deteriorating, please don't leave it to chance that you'll improve. Please reach out as soon as possible or ask someone to do so on your behalf."

"I'd just like to acknowledge that people have died this week and that is tragic for their friends and family. This is a very real reminder that the more people who get Covid-19, sadly the more deaths we are likely to see," Dr McElnay said. 

Today, there are 85 people in hospital, including 3 who are still being assessed. 11 are in ICU or high dependency units. 

There is also 1 new case in recent returnees from overseas. 

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