Health authorities announced 94 new cases, exceeding the previous daily record of 89 set in April last year during the first wave of COVID-19 infections.


Wellington: New Zealand Tuesday (October 19) recorded its highest number of daily COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic as a Delta-variant outbreak that dashed the nation's "Covid Zero" hopes showed no signs of easing.
Health authorities announced 94 new cases, exceeding the previous daily record of 89 set in April last year during the first wave of COVID-19 infections.
While case numbers remain low by most international standards, they have been steadily growing since the highly transmissible Delta variant was first found in New Zealand in mid-August.
The outbreak, centred on Auckland, has forced Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to drop her core policy goal of eliminating the virus in favour of ramping up vaccination efforts.
The New Zealand leader is set to unveil a new strategy on Friday that will allow for greater freedoms once vaccination targets have been reached.
About two-thirds of the eligible population have now been fully inoculated.
"We know that vaccinations are already making a significant difference to the outbreak in Auckland, but so too are people following the rules," Ardern told reporters.
Before the arrival of Delta, New Zealand won widespread praise for its hardline approach, which involved strict lockdowns, rigorous contact tracing and tight border restrictions.
COURTESY: AP

Logitech says all its webcams work with Nintendo Switch 2 — save one
- 6 hours ago

Govt surges prices of petroleum products
- 2 hours ago

Petrol, diesel prices increase in Emirates too
- an hour ago

Dominant on the pitch and in the stands, Palmeiras upend Brazil rivals Botafogo for CWC quarters berth
- 5 hours ago

Is Jake Paul ready for a world title fight? Who is his best option?
- 5 hours ago

Alcaraz, Sinner, Sabalenka favored at Wimbledon
- 5 hours ago

Torrential rain in Islamabad, Rawalpindi
- 2 hours ago

A nasal spray company wants to make it harder for the FTC to police health claims
- 6 hours ago

Angels' Washington to miss remainder of season
- 5 hours ago

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo would feel right at home on your GBA
- 6 hours ago

What we're hearing in the transfer window: Liverpool turn to Hato; Arsenal to make moves?
- 5 hours ago

Austria could be a turning point for Norris' F1 title charge
- 5 hours ago