Four people have died with Covid, and there are 10,239 new community cases today, the Ministry of Health says. 

There are 848 people in hospital with the virus, including 28 in intensive care. 

Two men and two women have died with Covid-19, bringing New Zealand's total pandemic death toll to 258. 

One of the people was in their 80s and three were in their 90s. One was from Auckland, two from Wellington and one from the Otago-Southland region. 

The seven-day rolling average of Covid deaths is now 12. 

"Our thoughts and condolences are with their whānau and friends at this sad time," the Ministry said. "Out of respect, we will be making no further comment." 

While the number of people in hospital was slightly up on Saturday, it remained considerably lower than the peak of more than 1000 cases five days ago – which the ministry said was "encouraging". 

"This reflects the decrease in hospitalisations across Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, some of the first regions to be affected by Omicron." 

Yesterday the Ministry reported 20 people had died with Covid in the previous 24 hours. The youngest was aged in their 40s, the oldest in their 90s. 

Eleven of those who died were in Auckland and Waikato with the rest spread across the country. 

Yesterday there were also 841 people in hospital and 27 in intensive care, with 14,175 new cases. Hospitalisations continue to fall, which was "encouraging", the Ministry of Health said. 

"This is driven by a decrease in hospitalisations across Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, some of the first regions to be affected by Omicron." 

However, the seven-day rolling average of deaths is 13, and that number continues to rise. 

New Zealand's total Covid-related deaths now stand at 254 since the start of the pandemic. 

The grim death toll came on the same day Covid rules were relaxed. Scanning in is no longer required, and gathering limits have been lifted for outdoor activities while 200 people are allowed indoors as long as vaccine passes are used. 

Vaccine passes will no longer be required from April 5. 

The lifting of restrictions has led one top doctor to speak out, warning the return of crowds at rugby games and other gatherings will lead to a spike in cases. 

And while many people will be relishing a return to socialising and gathering, there are concerns the easing of restrictions will force some people to become more isolated, with worrying repercussions for their wellbeing. 

Immunocompromised people – including those with disabilities and the elderly – have voiced fears that they are at highest risk from any increased spread caused by changing the rules. 

With Omicron circulating widely in the community, many are choosing to isolate further to avoid becoming infected, or to keep vulnerable household members safe.