Waikato will move to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 from Tuesday 16 Nov 11.59pm. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement during the Post Cabinet COVID-19 briefing alongside Director General of Health Dr. Ashley Bloomfield this afternoon. A decision on Auckland will be made next Monday.
As of today there are 173 new community cases with 163 in Auckland, 7 Waikato, 2 in Northland, and one in Lakes. There were 14,638 first and second vaccine doses administered yesterday, made up of 4,645 first doses and 9,993 second doses.
To date, 90% of New Zealanders have had their first dose and 81% have had two doses. 88% of Pacific Peoples have had their first dose with 76% having two doses.
Prime Minister Ardern also announced that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved as a booster shot and will be made available for those who have had their second dose for more than 6 months and over 18 years of age.
Image credit: Ministry of Health / NZ Government