A WOMAN in her 70s was confirmed the first Covid-19 death in New Zealand, Xinhua news agency quoted the government as announcing this afternoon.

Health director-general D. Ashley Bloomfield said the woman passed away in Greymouth Hospital in West Coast region, South Island early this morning. 

She tested positive for the virus on Friday morning, said Bloomfield.

According to Bloomfield, the woman was first diagnosed with influenza. She had been treated as such.

Medical staff wore personal protection equipment gear only suitable for influenza. As a result, 21 staff who had close contact with the patient are now in self-isolation.

New Zealand reported 60 new confirmed and three new probable Covid-19 cases today, bringing the total number of cases to 514 in the country. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the death is a strong reason why New Zealand took strong measures to contain the disease.

New Zealand has declared a national emergency and entered into national lockdown from Wednesday. – Bernama, March 29, 2020.