There are 49 new cases of Covid-19 in the community and 46 people in hospital with the virus, according to the Ministry of Health. There are 10 new cases of the Omicron variant at the border, but no new Omicron cases in the community, the ministry said. READ MORE:* Authorities prepare for another rush on Covid-19 testing in Nelson* How to judge the actions of Dimension, the first NZ Omicron case in the community* Covid-19: Second Omicron case in community confirmedThe ministry gave the update in a statement at 1pm. Contact tracing has now identified a total of 88 close contacts for the first community Omicron case, the ministry said. On Thursday, there were 60 new community cases of Covid-19 and 44 people in hospital.

Source: Stuff December 31, 2021 01:52 UTC