New Zealand reported 85 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday, marking its largest daily increase during the outbreak of the disease, as the country is at a standstill under lockdown.
The total number of cases in the country is now 368, New Zealand’s Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said at a news conference.
Bloomfield also said 37 patients have recovered from Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, while one patient became the first to be placed in intensive care.
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More than 2,500 retired health workers have signed up to help with the Covid-19 response, and the country has enough personal protective equipment for medical staff, including 18 million masks, he said.
Several cases are being investigated in Hawkes Bay in connection with the Ruby Princess cruise ship which docked there before arriving in Australia, where many passengers have since tested positive to the disease.
The country entered a month-long total lockdown on Thursday.
While most people had complied, officers had to respond to several incidents of people gathering, police said on Friday. (dpa)
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