Ella Bates-Hermans/Stuff
Covid-19 cases continue to trend upwards, amid a ‘spike’ experts say is likely due to waning immunity and new hybrid sub-variants.
The number of reported Covid-19 cases across New Zealand increased more than 32% week-on-week, according to new data released by health officials.
Officials have reported a “spike” in case counts, wastewater results and deaths in recent weeks, which experts say is likely due to waning immunity and the introduction of new hybrid variants, which increase the community’s susceptibility.
In the seven days to midnight on Sunday, 7881 Covid-19 cases were reported – up from 5947 last Monday: an increase of 32.5%.
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases was 1124, compared to 849 a week ago.
The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 was also higher than this time last week.
STUFF
The mandatory seven day isolation period for people with Covid-19, as well as the requirement to wear face masks in health facilities, will be scrapped.
As at midnight Sunday, 349 people were in hospital with Covid-19, up from 284 the same time a week ago, Te Whatu Ora said
The number of rapid antigen test (RAT) results reported also increased.
To date, 3522 people’s deaths have been attributed to Covid-19 – where the virus was either the underlying cause of death, or a contributory factor, Te Whatu Ora says.
Those living in the Waitematā district (north and west Auckland) reported the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the past seven days (1171), followed by Counties Manukau (south and east Auckland), with 1060 cases.
