New Zealand has reported 14,633 community COVID-19 cases as hospitalisations from its Omicron wave soar again to record levels.
On Monday, health officials confirmed 344 hospitalisations with the virus, including five in intensive care units.
While Monday's overall case count was slightly lower than Sunday, hospitalisations grew again - as they have every day since February 10.
For the first time during the pandemic, COVID-19 patients are being treated at a wide array of hospitals across New Zealand.
Auckland - and South Auckland specifically - remains the hardest hit, with 128 patients at Middlemore Hospital, and 153 in other facilities.
There are people struggling with the disease in all corners of the country, from North Island's Northland to South Island's Southern health district, including all major centres.
On Monday, Attorney-General David Parker became the first minister to test positive for COVID-19.
"I tested positive for Covid on Sunday. Isolating at home. Some minor symptoms but not feeling too bad," the 61-year-old posted on Twitter.
"Haven't been in the Beehive since Monday, so fortunately not with other MPs or staff while infectious."
New Zealand has not previously experienced COVID-19 levels remotely close to this.
It reported its first community infection two years ago today, but in the last four days it has reported more cases than in the rest of those 24 months combined.
On Monday Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the high community case loads would see her government drop its border rules for returning New Zealanders.
From later this week, vaccinated Kiwis abroad will not need to negotiate quarantine or spend time self-isolating to enter New Zealand.
In the past week, the weight of cases has also prompted the government to authorise a shift from PCR testing to using rapid antigen tests.
The health ministry reports 16 million RATs have arrived in the past four days, allaying concerns it would suffer Australia-style shortages.
Despite the outbreak's growth, anti-vaccine protesters continue to occupy public space outside parliament in Wellington.
The protest has lasted 21 days and shows no sign of dissipating, with protesters vowing to stay until the government drops its vaccine mandates.
The health ministry says 17 protesters - who do not wear masks or socially distance - have tested positive for COVID-19
"Due to reluctance by protesters to get a COVID-19 test, the true number of cases linked to the protest is likely to be much higher," a health ministry statement read.
Police are asking would-be protesters to stay away.
"Aggressive behaviour from protesters, extremely poor sanitary conditions, the confirmed presence of COVID-19, and the number of unwell people amongst the group all make for an unsafe, and unpleasant environment for anyone thinking of joining the activity," a police statement read.