There are 20 new community cases of COVID-19 to report today, all in Auckland.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed a woman in her 90s died last night in North Shore hospital who was a confirmed case of COVID-19.

The woman had a number of underlying health conditions.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who passed away from COVID-19 overnight.

“Every death is a reminder of the damage COVID-19 can cause when it gets into our community.”

“Our older New Zealanders and those with underlying health issues are by far the most at risk from the virus and one of the reasons lockdowns are such an important tool to stop its spread.”

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said: “on behalf of New Zealanders, I want to recognise this family’s loss.

“This is a time for us all to offer our deep sympathy, while also respecting the family’s privacy.”

The woman’s underlying health conditions and the state of her health meant it was not clinically appropriate for her to receive ventilator or ICU care.

Her family was regularly updated and had the opportunity to speak with her regularly by phone. The family has been offered support by the DHB.

The woman was admitted to hospital on 28 August from home.

She was a household contact of a case and had been confirmed as a case before admission to hospital.

Her family said “the whānau is devastated and shocked by the loss of their loved one and wish to thank all of the essential workers who have guided and helped them over the past few days.”

A family member spoken with this morning urges everyone to take COVID-19 seriously and follow public health advice – his message for New Zealanders is simple: “This is real.”