Coronavirus: New Zealand has 173 confirmed new cases of COVID-19

Today New Zealand has 173 new cases of Covid-19 in the community, says Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay.

Of today's new cases, 154 are in Auckland, two are in Bay of Plenty, one is in Lakes, one is in Canterbury, one is in Northland and 15 are in Waikato.

The case we're reporting in Canterbury today came in after the Ministry's 9am cut off and will be officially added to the case numbers tomorrow.

The total number of cases in this outbreak is now 7,832.

There are 78 people in hospital, including seven patients in intensive care.

To date, 92% of New Zealanders have had their first dose and 85% are fully vaccinated.

Auckland is currently at alert level 3 step 2.

The rest of the country is at alert level 2.

New Zealand will move to the new traffic light system at 11.59 on Thursday 2 December.

Once in the traffic light system, lockdowns, if they happen at all, are expected to be rare and more localised.

All businesses, including cafes and restaurants, will be able to open again once in the traffic light system with the use of vaccine certificates.

New Zealand has had 10,598 confirmed cases since the pandemic began last year and 41 deaths.