New Zealand reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 in the community, Director of Public Health from the Health Ministry Caroline McElnay said in a press conference on Saturday.

The country also reported three new cases of COVID-19 being recent returnees in the managed isolation facilities at the border, said McElnay.

Of the 21 new cases of COVID-19 in the community, 18 cases were in Auckland and three in Wellington.

The total number of community cases associated with the Auckland outbreak is 51, with 21 cases confirmed as part of the Auckland cluster, said McElnay.

New Zealand recorded the highest number of COVID-19 tests and vaccination doses on Friday, said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Additional testing centers were set up across Auckland and Wellington to cater to the surging needs for testing.

"It's not surprising the case total has grown. It will continue to rise through to next week before it begins falling," said Ardern.

She reminded the public to avoid unnecessary contacts during the national lockdown.

"The virus can continue to spread during lockdown if people break the rules," said Ardern.

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

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