New Zealand currently has one of the highest Omicron R numbers in the world, surpassing all 180 countries on a Covid-19 modelling map.

The R number is the average number of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to. When the R number is above one, the virus is spreading, when it's below one the virus is slowing down.

According to Rako Science's Covid-19 Modeller, on Saturday, New Zealand had an R value of 3.54 , meaning the average person infected with Omicron would pass it on to more than three people.

Out of more than 180 countries this gave New Zealand the current highest R value, with Myanmar coming in second with a value of 3.19.

According to the model, only a handful of countries are currently experiencing an Omicron surge including New Zealand, Myanmar, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Oman.

There are now 263 people in hospital after 13,606 new community cases were announced on Saturday.

At Parliament, police were spat at as the ongoing protest got fractious. Officers were treated by paramedics as a precaution. There was also a lighter moment as a couple got married on site.

Meanwhile the Early Childhood Council says the country's children aged under 5 aren't being supported during the latest Covid-19 outbreak.

Vaccination rates

More than 2.3 million booster shots have now been given nationally with just over 31,000 administered on Saturday.

Of the eligible people aged 12 and over, 96 per cent have had their first dose, 95 per cent their second, and 70 per cent have had their booster.

For Māori, aged 12+, 91 per cent have had their first dose, and 87 per cent their second.

For Pacific Peoples, aged 12+, 98 per cent first dose, and 96 per cent their second..

Global toll

Data from Johns Hopkins University shows nearly 433 million people have been infected with Sars-CoV-2, and more than 5.94m have died.

Vaccination efforts are continuing with more than 10.4 billion doses administered around the world.

The United States continues to record the most cases and fatalities - more than 78.9 million cases and 947,825 deaths

What should I do?

During phase 3 we must act as if we have Covid-19, Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says.

Anyone who wants to get tested can find their local testing centres by visiting the Ministry of Health website.

People should use the Covid-19 tracer app.

If you are sick, call your GP before you visit, or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

To avoid contracting and spreading the virus, wash your hands properly, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow and throw tissues away immediately.

Reach out, find support from people who care, connect with your community or help a neighbour in need.