First case of sub-variant

An Omicron sub-variant not previously detected in New Zealand has been reported, along with 5656 new community cases of Covid-19. The Ministry of Health said yesterday there were 466 in hospital, and reported six deaths from the past three days. The ministry said the BA.4 sub-variant was in a recent arrival from South Africa, but said there was no evidence this variant was any more transmissible than others. The person arrived on April 22, and returned a positive RAT the next day and a positive PCR test on April 24.