Friday December 3
There are 92 new cases in the community today (back to double digits – woo!). 80 in Auckland, two in Waikato, one in Northland, five in Bay of Plenty, one in Lakes DHB, one in Nelson-Marlborough and two in Taranaki.
It’s also the first day of the new Covid traffic light system, meaning significantly less restrictions in Auckland after more than 100 days in lockdown.
The total active community cases is 6,138.
Northland:
- Today’s Northland case is in Kaitaia; it is a household close contact of a previously reported case.
- Following investigation, a previously reported Kaitaia case has been reclassified as not a case.
Waikato:
- One of today’s Waikato cases lives in Rotorua but is isolating in the Waikato region.
- The location for the other Waikato case is currently under investigation.
- In Waikato, public health staff are now supporting 90 cases to isolate at home.
Bay of Plenty:
- Out of today’s five Bay of Plenty cases, three are contacts of known cases and were already isolating.
- The source for the remaining two cases is still under investigation.
Lakes:
- The source of today’s case in Lakes DHB is still under investigation.
Taranaki:
- There are four new cases in the Taranaki region two, two of which will be in tomorrow’s official tally as they were reported after today’s 9am case deadline.
- The four cases are all linked household contacts. They are all self-isolating.
Vaccines:
- Waitematā and Canterbury have now reached 90% fully vaccinated, joining Auckland and Capital and Coast DHBs.
- 39,553 vaccines were administered yesterday: 8,600 first doses; 16,641 second doses.
- 93% of the total eligible population have received their first dose, 87% have received their second.
Hospitalisations:
- 56 cases are currently in hospital (down by four from yesterday).
- The average age of Covid patients in hospital is 45.
- Nine of these hospitalisations are in the intensive care unit.
This morning, the Ministry of Health also announced that they are committing to $500,000 in funding over two years to improve the physical health and wellbeing of Māori and Pacific communities in South Auckland.
Deborah Woodley, Deputy Director-General, Population Health and Prevention says “Improving equity of outcomes across Aotearoa is a key focus for the health system.
“We know Māori and Pacific people experience long-term conditions at a younger age, with poorer outcomes and a shorter life expectancy.
“We need to engage not just at a national level, but locally, to ensure communities are supported in ways that best address their needs where they live, learn, and work, in a safe, culturally appropriate environment that resonates with them.”
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