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National | Chris Hipkins

'Today's case numbers will hit 5,000' - Chris Hipkins

Though yet to be officially released by the Ministry of Health in its usual 1pm update, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins confirms that today's community case total "sits currently at around 5,000 cases".

He said that at the 12pm stand-up with Health boss Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

"That's a mix of PCR tests and rapid-antigen tests. There's over 1000 rapid antigen test results in that," Hipkins says.

It is also confirmed that the country's Omicron response will move into phase 3 at 11:59pm tonight, as case numbers and hospitalisations have risen to record highs.

More to come.