20 to 29 year olds

That's the age demographic Jacinda Ardern says is currently most affected by COVID-19 - and at risk of passing the virus on.

New Zealand today has 47 new confirmed and 14 probable cases - bringing the total to 708.

There have been no further deaths and 82 people have recovered.

14 people remain in hospital - with two in a stable condition in intensive care.

The Prime Minister's urging young Kiwis to take responsibility - even if they think it won't affect them with more than mild to moderate symptoms.

She says that age group is the vector for transmission - and it's the over 70s who are much more like to die.

Ardern says it's still too soon to say if lockdown measures are slowing the spread of the virus - and we can't afford to be complacent.

About one percent of cases are from community transmission.

Testing's being ramped up - with the case definition widened to include those with COVID-19 respiratory symptoms - regardless of travel history or contact with a confirmed case.

We are now able to test around 3700 times every day - and there will be ten labs to process those tests by the end of next week.

Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay says 5000 tests is the the ideal daily capacity - and extra tests will likely see more positive results.

Meanwhile - almost a thousand emails have been sent to alert authorities about price-gouging - with complaints including the high price of cauliflower, hand sanitiser, and bread.
04-01-20 1621