There are 71 new cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand, bringing the total to 868.
103 people have recovered, with 13 in hospital in stable conditions. There are no new deaths.
Global COVID-19 cases have now surpassed the 1 million mark, with the US reporting the most cases at over 244,000.
Dr Bloomfield says there are 10 significant clusters, located in Napier, Wellington, Hamilton, Matamata, Auckland, Waitakere and Bluff. The biggest are from Auckland’s Marist College, Matamata and a wedding party in Bluff.
Dr Bloomfield also explained the latest advice from the World Health Organisation. Data from WHO studies confirmed that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted from symptomic people and they are most infectious early on.
The average time before people develop symptoms is 5-6 days and pre-symptomic transmission can occur.
There are few reports of transmission from asymptomatic cases (those who have COVID-19 without showing symptoms), though WHO does not rule this out.
Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management, Sarah Stuart-Black announced further support for older New Zealanders, including check-in calls, a doubling of winter energy payments and volunteering support.
Stuart-Black says many people have volunteered their support, and she asks those people to stay home and await more information for how their services can be used.