Wednesday May 25

The Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 has been found in the community for the first time without a clear link to the border.

Evidence from widespread transmission overseas shows this variant is slightly more transmissable than other Omicron strains.

There are 8,150 new cases of Covid-19 today.

Of these, 237 are in Northland, 2,617 are in Auckland, 602 in Waikato, 270 in Bay of Plenty, 137 in the Lakes district, 217 in Hawke's Bay, 247 in MidCentral, 78 in Whanganui, 249 in Taranaki, 46 in Tairāwhiti, 85 in Wairarapa, 632 in Capital and Coast, 221 in Hutt Valley, 356 in Nelson Marlborough, 1,284 in Canterbury, 165 in South Canterbury, 617 in the Southern district, 87 in the West Coast and 3 in unknown locations.

The total number of active cases is 51,133.

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

Hospitalisations and Covid-19 related deaths

11 people with Covid-19 have died, bringing the publicly reported total to date to 1,086.

One person was aged under 10, one was in their 30s, one was in their 60s, one was in their 70s, three were in their 80s, and four were aged over 90.

There are 368 people in hospital, with 11 of those people in intensive care or high dependency units.

The average age of people currently in hospital is 59.

Testing

3,501 PCR test were done yesterday and 16,430 RAT test results logged.

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

96.3% of New Zealand's eligible population have had the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and 95.2% have had a second dose.

70.7% of eligible New Zealanders have recieved the booster dose.

Top image: Racegoers arrive for the Show Day Races at Addington Raceway on November 12, 2021 in Christchurch Photo: Getty Images

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