Former Cook Islands PM dies from COVID-19 in New Zealand

The former prime minister of the Cook Islands, Dr. Joseph Williams, died from COVID-19 on Friday night in Auckland City Hospital, confirmed the New Zealand Ministry of Health on Saturday.

Williams, who was in his 80s, was also a well-regarded member of health services in both New Zealand and the Cook Islands. He was the patron of the Pasifika Medical Association, which was dedicated to promoting the health of Pacific people in the region.

It was the second COVID-19 related death in recent days in New Zealand, said the ministry.

The country reported three new confirmed cases on Saturday, as the total reached 1,416. The death toll now stands at 24. 

(With input from Xinhua)