18 Mar 2024

Covid-19 update: 4666 new cases, 20 further deaths

2:11 pm on 18 March 2024
Collage of Covid test and person wearing a mask.

(file image) Photo: 123rf.com / Composite Image - RNZ

There have been 4666 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the past week, and 20 further deaths attributed to the virus.

Of the new cases, 3865 were probable cases and 3012 were reinfections.

There were 55 cases in hospital.

The number of cases in intensive care units was not available on the Ministry of Health's website.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases was 667 per day.

Last Monday, 4803 new cases and 24 deaths attributed to the virus were reported for the previous week, with 171 cases in hospital.

Earlier this month, Health NZ said it no longer recommended that asymptomatic household contacts of people with Covid-19 should test daily.

A new Covid-19 vaccine, which could fight newer strains of the virus, would be available from 7 March.

The updated vaccine is available free to:

  • Everyone aged 30 years and over
  • People aged 16-29 who are pregnant
  • People aged 12-29 at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19

Health NZ also confirmed earlier this year free RATs would be available until at least the end of June.

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