There are 23,894 new Covid-19 cases nationwide today - with 9081 of them in Auckland.
Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay said 756 people were in hospital and 16 were in ICU or HDU.
The majority of the hospitalisations were in Auckland and were similar to yesterday, McElnay said.
She said the number of people in hospital would grow.
McElnay said there were 618 people were in hospital on Sunday, but just 1.6 per cent were in ICU - so the percentages were much lower than Delta.
Critical healthcare workers can now return to work earlier than usual, but only if it can be done safely and it was needed to provide the service, she said.
Healthcare workers with two negative tests can return to work on day 6.
Covid-19 positive staff can return to work on a Covid ward as long as all patients have coronavirus. They must wear N95 masks, be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, agree to return, and work in a situation where their absence puts an essential service at work.
McElnay thanked all staff - especially in Auckland - for being flexible in order to keep the health system running while under pressure.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are available today at district health board sites in Kaitāia (Matthews Ave - until 5pm); Kerikeri (Sammaree Pl - until 3pm); Dargaville (Normanby St - until 3pm), and Whangārei (Northland Events Centre - until 2pm).
A list of today's vaccination times, as well as Māori provider vaccination details, are available on the Northland DHB website.
Bookings are compulsory for people seeking the AstraZeneca vaccination.
Testing
Testing is available throughout the region. However, the district health board has said people wanting a Covid-19 test at a community testing centre will be screened upon arrival to determine which test is most appropriate.
They advised people may be given a rapid antigen test (RAT) instead.
Testing centres open today until 3pm are Kaitāia (Matthews Ave); Dargaville Hospital; Whangārei (Winger Cr); and Kerikeri (570 Kerikeri Rd).
