COVID-19: Aucklanders flock to testing stations after coronavirus case visits North Shore pub

Aucklanders are flocking to testing stations after a person who tested positive for COVID-19 visited a bar on the North Shore.

The Malt in the suburb of Greenhithe is closed with cleaning underway, after Auckland Regional Public Health (ARPHS) confirmed the person was infectious while they were at the pub.

Those who visited the pub between 7:30pm and 10pm on Friday have been asked to self-isolate and get a COVID-19 test.

Shelley, whose son Mason Mackay works in the kitchen at the bar, says she's nervous about the situation.

"He could have possibly washed the man's dishes and his glasses," she told Newshub.

Meanwhile, nearby Baked At Greenhithe Bakery manager said they are operating under alert level 3 restrictions as a precaution.

"I thought this would be safer for the community and for ourselves," he said.

Senior Labour MP Grant Robertson told Magic Talk's Peter Williams the situation is being monitored extremely closely.
"We feel the situation's under control and there is no plan to move alert levels."

Earlier on Thursday, University of Otago infectious disease expert David Murdoch said the contact tracing system is doing its job and "incursions" like this were to be expected.

Murdoch.
Murdoch. Photo credit: The AM Show

"It's a concern to hear that a contact may have been in a crowded pub - the indoor crowd situation is one we get concerned about because it can lead to further transmission," he told The AM Show.

ARHPS said on Wednesday most patrons who were at the pub on Friday night are considered casual contacts but are asked to get tested as soon as possible.

"They should stay at home in self-isolation until they receive a negative test result.

"Household members of pub patrons from that night need only to get tested and stay home if the person who was at the pub becomes sick or develops any symptoms, or unless directed by Public Health."

The Ministry of Health will provide further information at its 1pm press conference.