Saturday April 16

There are 13,636 new cases of Covid-19 today. This number covers the last two days as there was no update from the Ministry of Health yesterday, Good Friday holiday.

The Ministry of Health is reporting 7,763 new cases on Friday and 5,748 new cases today.

Of these new cases, 638 are in Northland, 869 are in Auckland, 1,079 in Waikato, 532 in Bay of Plenty, 266 in the Lakes district, 460 in Hawke's Bay, 556 in MidCentral, 244 in Whanganui, 429 in Taranaki, 120 in Tairāwhiti, 121 in Wairarapa, 822 in Capital and Coast, 522 in Hutt Valley, 451 in Nelson Marlborough, 2,255 in Canterbury, 325 in South Canterbury, 1,747 in the Southern district, 137 in the West Coast and 14 in unknown locations.

The total number of active cases is 57,951.

The Ministry of Health defines active cases as those identified in the last seven days and not yet classified as recovered.

The rolling average of new cases is continuing to decline. Today's seven-day rolling average is 8,283 – last Saturday it was 10,843.

Hospitalisations and Covid-19 related deaths

30 people with Covid-19 have died, 20 on Friday and 10 today. The total number of Covid-related deaths is now 576. 

There are 500 people in hospital, with 15 of those people in intensive care or high dependency units.

The average age of people currently in hospital is 58.

Testing

There were 1,736 PCR tests carried out in the last 24 hours.

There were 9,171 RAT tests reported in the last 24 hours.

If you take a RAT you must report the result, positive or negative. This can be done online through My Covid Record, or by calling 0800 222 478 between 8am and 8pm. 

Vaccinations

96.4 percent of New Zealand's eligible population have had the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and 95.2 percent have had a second dose.

Easter weekend

The Ministry of Health said in the statement that anyone going away this Easter weekend should have a plan in case they catch Covid-19 or are a household content.

If you do get sick, you need to self-isolate and remain where you are.

If you have used your own vehicle to travel you are able to drive back home to isolate, making sure you follow health measures on the way – like wearing masks at service stations.

For more information visit the Ministry of Health website. 

Top Image: A sign outside a rapid antigent test collection center in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

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