There are 126 new cases of Covid-19 in the community and 79 at the border, the Ministry of Health is reporting today.

Medical staff member with mask and protective equipment holds Coronavirus nasal swabs test tubes at drive-through testing point in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)Photo: 123RF

 

It comes as Cabinet prepares to discuss the reopening of New Zealand’s borders.

Today’s new community cases are in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Lakes, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Nelson Marlborough, and Canterbury.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 22,508 booster doses administered yesterday, taking the total to date to 1,324,160.

“With Omicron in New Zealand, the best thing you can do is get your booster as soon as it is due,” the ministry said.

“Boosters lower your chances of getting very sick and being hospitalised. Being boosted also helps slow the spread of the virus. If you’re over 18 and your booster is due, please get it now. Evidence to date is that the rate of adverse reactions to a booster dose is similar to people receiving their second dose.”

In a statement yesterday the Ministry of Health said because the Omicron variant was now the dominant variant of Covid-19, the specific variant of the virus was no longer being reported alongside case numbers.

It said the most common early symptoms of Omicron were a sore or scratchy throat, and a runny nose.

Yesterday, 91 new cases in the community were reported, and on Sunday there were 103 new cases, and one death.