New Zealand has recorded its first death linked to coronavirus.

A 70-year-old woman who tested positive for the virus on Friday died in Greymouth Hospital early this morning.

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it is a sad day, but it brings home why the country moved to alert level four.

Ardern says more people will get sick and older New Zealanders are “by far” at the most risk.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told reporters the woman who died early this morning was initially thought to have influenza.

Bloomfield says he is still waiting to hear how the person who died had contracted the virus but said it is likely an overseas link.

The district health board has placed 21 staff who had treated the woman into self-isolation.

None of the staff treating the person are symptomatic of COVID-19.

There are 63 new COVID-19 cases in New Zealand today – 60 new confirmed and three probable cases.

A total of 56 people have now recovered, while nine people are in hospital.

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[Source: NZ Herald]