Covid-19 update: 6656 new cases, 20 deaths

Covid-19 cases have dropped since last week, but there were still 20 further deaths attributed to the virus, according to Ministry of Health figures.

There have been 6656 new cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand over the week to Sunday, and 20 further deaths attributed to the virus.

Of the new cases, 1131 were probable cases and 3553 were reinfections.

There were 332 cases in hospital and one in intensive care.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases was 951 per day.

Covid-19 booster vaccinations are available for anyone aged over 30 if it has been at least six months since their last injection or period of Covid-19 infection.

Otago University public health expert Michael Baker last week told Morning Report boosters were "vital", particularly for older people and those who had underlying health conditions.

"This is basic preventative medicine and if people are not getting their boosters they are far more likely to go to hospital."

Last week, Te Whatu Ora reported 6814 new cases and 27 deaths, including a child aged under 10.