The Ministry of Health is reporting 190 new Covid community cases today.

This comes as cabinet meet today to discuss potential alert level changes.

The government's decision is expected at 4pm, following today's cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, today's new cases brings the total number of Covid cases to 4541 in this current outbreak.

The Ministry reports there are 81 people in hospital, up from the 74 reported on Sunday.

There are also three new cases at the border.

"Sadly, today we have been informed of the death of a patient on Saturday at Auckland City Hospital," says a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

"The patient, who was in their late-60s, was admitted to hospital on October 23 for a trauma incident and tested positive on admission.

"The cause of the person's death will be determined by the coroner, including whether it may have been Covid-19 related.

"Our thoughts are with the patient's whânau and friends at this deeply sad time.

"We would also like to acknowledge the team at Auckland City Hospital and all healthcare workers for their continued hard work and dedication.

"This person's death has not been officially reported as it is still under investigation."

Maritime vessel

Two of today's border-related cases are on board a bulk carrier vessel which recently arrived in in Bluff from Malaysia.

These two cases are being investigated as likely historical cases.

"The crew members were tested as part of the process for allowing a crew member to depart the vessel and fly home on compassionate grounds. All crew member remain aboard the vessel," says the MOH.

"Testing of the 23 crew has identified two weak positive cases. The bulk of the crew are vaccinated. None of the crew have symptoms or have reported a recent illness during the voyage.

"Results from repeat testing are expected tomorrow."

Auckland update

There are 19 community testing centres available for testing across Auckland today.

"We're continuing to encourage everyone in Auckland to please get a test if they have any symptoms, no matter how mild. Even if people are fully vaccinated, and have been isolating at home, please seek out a test if you feel the need.

"Suburbs of particular concern, where the risk of unidentified cases is higher, include Ranui, Sunnyvale, Kelston, Birkdale, Manurewa and Mangere."

In metro Auckland, public health staff are now supporting 2238 individuals to safely isolate at home; this includes 838 cases across 698 households.     

Auckland care home    

Twenty residents and four staff members of Edmonton Meadows Care Home in the Auckland suburb of Henderson have now returned positive Covid-19 tests.    

Seven of the Covid-19 positive residents are receiving appropriate ward-level care at Auckland hospitals.

Waikato update

There were seven new cases confirmed in Hamilton overnight, four in Te Awamutu and three in Hamilton.

Six were known contacts already in isolation. Public Health will today investigate links for the remaining case.

There is one case in Waikato Hospital for a non-Covid-19 related condition.

There are six pop-up and dedicated testing sites operating across Hamilton, Huntly, Ôtorohanga, and Te Kuiti today.

The Te Awamutu site is closed today as the station is relocated and will be open again from tomorrow.

Ten locations of interest were identified in Hamilton yesterday.

There were 2239 tests processed in Waikato yesterday and 880 vaccinations given.

Northland update

There are five new cases to report in Northland today.

Four of the cases were notified after the Ministry's 9am reporting cut-off and will be added to the official case tally tomorrow, says the Ministry.

"The total number of cases in Northland is now 23 which includes 12 active cases and 11 recovered cases.

"Four cases are linked to known cases and public health interviews with the fifth case were yet to be completed, as at 12pm today.

"We are continuing to encourage those who live in or around Taipa, Kaingaroa, Awanui and Kaitaia and have had any symptoms of Covid-19 in the last two weeks, to get tested as soon as possible. Testing centre locations can be found on the Northland DHB website.

"Today we are reporting the first Covid-19 related hospitalisation Northland linked in the current outbreak. The hospitalisation is another reminder for everyone in Northland who is eligible to get vaccinated.

"Getting vaccinated will help to stop you and your loves ones getting seriously ill, and could save your life and theirs. If you haven't been vaccinated, please get your first dose today."

See below for a full breakdown of today's numbers

New cases identified at the border