New Zealand has reported a record 243 new Covid-19 community cases, as officials warned more cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant are expected but urged people in the highly vaccinated nation not to panic.
The country of five million people has kept its borders closed since early 2020. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday a full reopening will happen only by October.
“I urge people not to panic but to plan for that,” said Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins. “The best thing you can do to prevent illness is to get vaccinated and get your booster.”