79 cases latest in outbreak

There are 79 new cases of Covid-19 in the Delta community outbreak.

The Ministry of Health released the update in a press statement, ahead of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health giving a post-Cabinet press conference at 4pm.

Of the new cases, 75 are in Auckland, and four are in Waikato. As of 10am, 46 of the new cases had been epidemiologically linked to the outbreak – including 24 household contacts. Thirtythree remain unlinked.

It comes as Auckland marks day 70 in lockdown.

Parts of Waikato also remain in alert level 3, while the rest of the country is at alert level 2.

The four new cases in Waikato were all expected, linked, and were in isolation throughout their infectious period. All new cases are in Te Awamutu/Kihikihi area and are isolating at home with public health support, the ministry said.

This brings total cases for Waikato during this outbreak to 91 – six of which remain epidemiologically unlinked.

Public health officials also continue to urge residents of Auckland suburbs Redvale and Rosedale to get tested as soon as possible if they have even mild symptoms, regardless of their vaccination status.