There are 172 new community cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the new community cases are in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes and the Nelson/Tasman region.
There are 86 cases in hospital, including nine in intensive care.
Earlier today, Northland District Health Board chair Harry Burkhardt said the region needed more time to boost low vaccination rates before unvaccinated travellers were allowed in, as the traffic light settings are set to kick in tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a Nelson school, which closed after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday, anticipates up to 40 students and staff may be close contacts.
Some are urging officials to move faster on vaccinating children, but Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said there were no plans at this stage to bring the timeframe forward. Although it was still under advice, he said.
