Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield at the media conference announced 76 new cases on Monday, March 30, that brings the total to 589 in New Zealand as of Monday, March 30.
Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said the total number of cases in the country now stands at 589, and there have been no additional deaths.
Twelve people are currently in hospitals around the country - two are in ICU.
He said there was still a "strong link" to overseas travel.
He said of the 455 cases that the Health Ministry had sufficient information, 57 per cent have a direct link to overseas travel, 26 are close contact with existing cases, 15 per cent have both, and just two per cent - or about 10 cases - are currently community transmission.
Dr Bloomfield said contact tracing was a work in progress but capacity was increasing - it sometimes took 6-7 phone calls to try and contact someone.
Dr Bloomfield said flu vaccination were going to a vital part of the fight against Covid-19
"Because if we vaccinate people, then we can reduce pressure on our hospital system, particularly through winter."
He said it was "very important" that vaccinations were being reserved for high priority groups - over 65 and those with likely health complications.
He said those not in the group should not expect to be vaccinated before mid-April.
Dr Bloomfield has asked New Zealanders to register with Flu-tracker for surveillance of Covid-19.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said two police staff had tested positive for Covid-19. They are at home and not been hospitalised.
Several hundred police officers around the country are in self-isolation as a result.
A Matamata custer is being investigated for community transmission, and Dr Bloomfield said it could be connected to a St Patricks Day event.
Leave a Comment