Toi Te Ora Public Health medical officer of health Dr Jim Miller said the 33 cases reported today in Tauranga and Western Bay was the highest seen for the area so far in this wave of Covid-19.
He said there have been cases in all health board districts in recent days and it was "very likely" that case numbers continue to rise.
Miller said Toi Te Ora was working to give support and advice to those affected by exposure events, locations of interest, and clusters.
"These have affected settings such as preschools, supported housing, aged care facilities, and hospitality across Toi Te Ora's area."
"We should all assume that Covid-19 is in our communities, and I urge people to get vaccinated, boosted, wear masks, scan, and if unwell stay home and get tested."
There are several new locations of interest for the region.
These include Rotorua's Skyline. It has been listed today as high risk for close contact on Monday, February 7, from 3.16pm to 4.30pm.
Bloomfield briefs public on self isolation and care with Omicron
Director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield is encouraging Kiwis to get "boosted and give each other some space" as the country moves to phase 2 today in an effort to tackle rising Omicron infections.
Bloomfield gave a briefing from midday on how home isolation and care for positive Omicron cases will operate at phase 2 of the Omicron response, which began last night.
He is providing more details on how technology will be used and other support for those isolating at home, either because they are a positive case or a close contact.
Police set to tow protesters' vehicles
Meanwhile, at Parliament, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said tow trucks will begin removing vehicles today.
He said they have also appealed for extra assistance, including from the New Zealand Defence Force for their towing capabilities.
A total of 500 fines have been issued and police warn they are preparing to tow illegally parked vehicles as the protest passes day nine of its occupation at parliament.
It's been over a week since Covid response protesters first brought parts of Wellington city to a standstill, and police and council have now signalled they will be taking a firmer line.
Police presence is now starting to grow at the end of Lambton Quay as protesters urge one another to "hold the line."
Meanwhile Act leader David Seymour says he's met with some of the anti-mandate protesters' leadership, and said it's time for a 'mature conversation' about de-escalation.
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