Thursday 23 September, 1pm

Most of today’s new cases are household contacts. 3 are unlinked.

They bring the total number of cases in the outbreak to 1123. Of those, 861 are recovered. 

3 of the 15 new cases are unlinked. 1 case from yesterday which was unlinked, has now been linked to the community outbreak.

15 people are in hospital, of which 3 are in ICU. 

There are also 2 cases in returned travellers at MIQ.

Testing

19,194 swabs processed nationally yesterday. Of those, 8370 were in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

So far, over 37,000 essential workers in Auckland have been tested. 

In regards to particular suburbs of interest in Tāmaki Makaurau, Mt Eden, Massey and Papatoetoe are no longer included, and surveillance testing of people in those areas is no longer taking place. However, Mt Wellington has been added to the list and pop-up centres are operating today in two locations. 

New testing requirements for crossing alert level boundaries

Health Director General Dr Ashley Bloomfield said a new testing requirement for people leaving Auckland for one-off personal reasons will come into effect at midnight. 

A negative test within 72 hours of travelling the boundary will be required, he said. There will be exceptions and the full details are at the Ministry of Health site. 

Bloomfield also reiterated that travel across alert level boundaries for personal reasons is restricted, and can only be done in specific situations. 

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