A Government WhatsApp channel has been launched to help make information more easily accessible and shareable in the fight against COVID-19.

Health Minister Dr David Clark says the Government is delivering on its commitment to support general practice doctors and nurses, and pharmacies on the front-line of our fight against COVID-19.

Today there are 76 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 13 new probable cases. There are no additional deaths to report.

There are now 92 reported cases which we can confirm have recovered. The combined total of confirmed and probable cases in New Zealand is 797, 89 more than yesterday.

Health Minister Dr David Clark says the Government is delivering on its commitment to support general practice doctors and nurses, and pharmacies on the front-line of our fight against COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health reported three confirmed Covid-19 cases in Hawke’s Bay, today taking the total for the region to 19.

The Ministry of Health reported three confirmed Covid-19 cases in Hawke’s Bay, today taking the total for the region to 19.

Patients with serious health conditions, who are at greatest risk if exposed to COVID-19, will benefit from a new charitable initiative which will provide them with remote monitoring technology - reducing their need to visit hospital.

The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network is very concerned that the COVID-19 outbreak will have a serious impact on rural New Zealanders ability to get the medical care they need compared to people who live in urban centres.

People should have confidence in the preparations being made on their behalf by their healthcare professionals says the person leading the Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s (BOPDHB) COVID-19 response.

Lakes District Hospital is now admitting patients again, after a temporary pause while staff were tested for COVID-19.

Altogether 83 staff and contractors were tested for the virus, after two nurses were confirmed as having the infection.