The Central App

Covid-19 update: Nine further deaths, 6000 community cases reported in New Zealand

The Central App

RNZ

23 May 2022, 1:10 AM

Covid-19 update: Nine further deaths, 6000 community cases reported in New Zealand

Nine people have died with Covid-19 and another 6000 cases have been detected in the community, the Ministry of Health says.


In its latest media update, the ministry said there were 363 people in hospital with the virus, including 14 in intensive care.


Yesterday case numbers dipped under 5000 for the first time in three months although the seven-day rolling average increased from 7608 the previous Sunday to 7863 yesterday.


There were 4990 new cases, 10 new deaths and 379 people in hospital with nine in ICU.


Today Professor Michael Baker told First Up that modelling is showing it is likely the country can expect an upsurge in cases during winter.



He said case numbers in Auckland have increased by about 75 percent in the past four weeks.


He expects the most vulnerable - such as older people and those who are immune suppressed - are likely to be offered a fourth vaccine dose from next month.