The second staffer to contract COVID-19 at the Sudima Christchurch Airport facility visited a chemist at a busy mall in Christchurch, the Ministry of Health revealed on Wednesday.
The worker, who tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, shopped at Chemist Warehouse in South City Shopping Centre between 3:52pm and 4:03pm on Friday, October 30.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink says the worker was in the store for a brief period of time and did not make close contact with other shoppers.
They checked into the store using the NZ COVID Tracer app, allowing health officials to identify the exact period they had been inside the chemist.
On Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Health sent an alert to other shoppers who had recorded a visit to the Chemist Warehouse around that time.
"We are aware that people may be concerned if they were in the store at the same time as this person, even though the risk to other shoppers and staff is considered extremely low," Dr Pink said.
"It's important to stress that this person didn't have any symptoms when they were in the store, and at that stage didn't know that they would later test positive for COVID-19."
He said anyone who is concerned and would like to be tested as a precaution should visit their local community-based assessment centre (CBAC) or organise a test with their GP.
A pop-up testing centre is also operating in the car park outside the Princess Margaret Hospital from 11:30am to 4:30pm on Wednesday, and people who shopped at the Chemist Warehouse are welcome to come along.
The case is the second staff member working at the Sudima Christchurch Airport facility to contract the virus. They are a close workplace contact of the first staffer, who returned a positive test result on Monday.
The hotel is currently serving as a dedicated facility for international mariners, who arrived on a chartered flight from Russia in October. Of the 235 fishermen completing their mandatory isolation at the Sudima Christchurch Airport, 31 have tested positive for COVID-19.
"Both this case, and the one reported on Monday, came into contact with the international mariners in the course of their duties, including some of the 31 mariners who have tested positive to COVID-19 and who remain in quarantine," the ministry said on Tuesday.
Both staff members had initially tested negative for the virus on Thursday, October 29 as part of routine testing. However, the first case began developing symptoms on Saturday, and sought another test on Sunday. Their positive test result was announced the following day.
The second worker was retested after being identified as a close contact of their colleague, and returned a positive result on Tuesday. They are asymptomatic and currently isolating at home.
An initial assessment found two close contacts of the worker - both members of the same household - who are also isolating and awaiting their test results.
Following their isolation period, the mariners will work on fishing boats run by Sealord, Independent Fisheries and Maruha Nichiro. The three companies are covering their quarantine costs, which are expected to reach roughly $1 million.
The ministry reiterated that symptoms consistent with COVID-19 include a new or worsening cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, temporary loss of smell and difficulty breathing.
If presenting any of these symptoms, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice or the local general practice.
It's important to continue following the Ministry of Health's advice:
- stay home if sick
- practice good coughing and sneezing etiquette and maintain good hand hygiene
- download and use the COVID-19 Tracer app to record location history and aid contact tracing efforts in the event of a community outbreak.
