New Zealand records first COVID-19 death in 200 days

New Zealand health officials have recorded the country's first COVID-19-related death in 200 days, along with 20 new cases.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Source: AAP

Amid falling case numbers, New Zealand has recorded its first COVID-19-related death in more than 200 days.

The Ministry of Health reported a woman in her 90s died in Auckland's North Shore Hospital on Friday night.

"Every death is a reminder of the damage COVID-19 can cause when it gets into our community," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

"Our older New Zealanders and those with underlying health issues are by far the most at risk from the virus and one of the reasons lockdowns are such an important tool to stop its spread."

The woman had a number of underlying health conditions, according to the Ministry of Health.

The death is the country's 27th of the pandemic, and the first since February 16 - exactly 200 days ago - and the first as a result of the Delta outbreak.

On Saturday, health officials reported there were 43 Kiwis in hospital, with seven in intensive care.

Despite the death, case numbers continue to fall.

There were 20 new cases on Saturday, solidifying a pattern of falling case numbers.

Since Sunday's likely peak of 83 cases, daily case numbers have been 53, 49, 75, 49, 28 and now 20.

Saturday's cases are all from Auckland, with total community cases reaching 782.


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2 min read
Published 4 September 2021 12:03pm
Updated 22 February 2022 6:53pm
Source: AAP, SBS


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