New Zealand modelling shows Covid cases could peak at 5,300 a week in Auckland next year

Plans for how health system would deal with surge revealed as country records 71 new cases

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New Zealand is preparing to face up to 5,300 cases of Covid-19 a week in Auckland and the neighbouring region of Northland alone next year, even with a vaccination rate of 90%, according to modelling from the Ministry of Health.

The minister of health, Andrew Little revealed the plan for how the health system could manage a surge in cases after the current vaccination drive, as the country recorded 71 new cases on Thursday.