Wellington, Sept. 4 (BNA): New Zealand has reported its first Covid-19 death in more than six months, health authorities said on Saturday.

The country is currently under a strict lockdown after the discovery of a single community transmitted case of Covid-19 on August 18, said dpa international.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement a woman in her 90s had died overnight in hospital.

New Zealand’s last Covid-19-related death was reported in mid-February, with 27 deaths recorded in total.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her condolences to the woman’s family.

“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,” Ardern added.

The woman’s family said in a statement they were “devastated and shocked by the loss of their loved one” and urged New Zealanders to follow public health advice.

The country reported 20 new community cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, taking the current outbreak to a total of 782.

Strict restrictions on the country, with a population of some 5 million people, will be reviewed by Ardern on Monday.

Source: Bahrain News Agency