New Zealand’s grip on its Delta outbreak continues to tighten, ahead of a major shake-up of domestic settings.
On Saturday, health officials announced 63 new community Covid-19 cases, the lowest daily total in 52 days.
Public health experts attribute the drop in daily cases – down from highs more than 200 in mid-November – to soaring vaccination rates.
Vaccination rates are slightly above Australia’s, with 94% of Kiwis aged 12 and above partially vaccinated, and 89% fully vaccinated with two doses of Pfizer.
Of Saturday’s 63 cases, 53 are in Auckland, with the rest spread across Northland, the Waikato, Taranaki and Canterbury, and a historical case in Southland.
One of the Auckland cases is a border worker.
An investigation will probe whether they were infected in the community or through a quarantine leak.
From Wednesday, and for the first time since mid-August, the government will allow travel in and out of Auckland for all Kiwis.
While travellers must show proof of vaccination or a negative test, health officials warn the spread to different corners of the country is inevitable and have urged vaccine hold-outs to inoculate themselves.
New Zealand’s death toll stands at 46, after two deaths on Friday.
There are 60 Kiwis in hospital, with three in intensive care.
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