There are 21 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today (Saturday August 21), bringing the total number of cases associated with the Auckland cluster to 51.

Eighteen of the new cases are in Auckland, and three are in Wellington (one of which was reported yesterday afternoon).

Director of public health Caroline McElnay said the new cases are all genomically linked to the Auckland cluster, and more than 5000 individual contacts have been identified.

She said while Covid-19 has been detected in wastewater samples in the Auckland region, and Warkworth, there have been no positive samples from other wastewater testing throughout the country.

There was a record 56,843 vaccinations administered in one day on Friday (August 20), prime minister Jacinda Ardern said at a media briefing at 1pm today.

The number of Covid tests undertaken yesterday was 41,464, and the PM said the priorities for testing are those who were at risk of being exposed to the virus, or those who are unwell.

The PM warned people not to break the rules of lockdown, adding that lockdown breaches was one of the reasons the NSW lockdown has had to be extended.

“Reduce your contacts and ensure you stick to your bubble,” she said.

If anyone was at a location of interest at the specified times they should self isolate and call Healthline (0800 611 116) for advice on testing, Caroline said.