Seven new imported cases of COVID-19 have been detected in managed isolation facilities over the past two days, the Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday.
There is no new evidence of community transmission.
Of the seven new imported cases:
- One case arrived on December 14 from the United States. The person tested positive due to routine testing at around day 12 of their 14-day stay. The case has been transferred to a quarantine facility in Christchurch.
- One case arrived on December 22 from India. The person was tested on day six as they were a contact of a previously reported case. They have been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility, the Jet Park.
- Two cases, travelling separately, arrived on December 24 from India via the United Arab Emirates. Both tested positive due to routine testing at around day three and have been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility.
- One case arrived on December 24 from the United States. The person tested positive due to routine testing at around day three and has been transferred to quarantine in a facility in Christchurch.
- One case arrived on December 25 from London via Singapore and was tested on day two as they were symptomatic. The person has been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility.
- One case arrived on December 28 from the United States and was tested on day one as they were symptomatic. The person is in the Auckland quarantine facility.
Eight previously reported cases have now recovered. New Zealand's total number of active cases is 49 and the total number of confirmed cases stands at 1795.
The total number of tests processed by laboratories to date is 1,398,932.
Summer events
Under alert level 1 of the COVID-19 response, there are no longer restrictions on the sizes of events or gatherings. This means large scale events are allowed to take place, the ministry said.
"To ensure we can continue to enjoy summer without restrictions, we need all New Zealanders to continue to be vigilant for any symptoms of COVID-19, and not attend events if they are feeling unwell."
Those symptoms could include:
- a new or worsening cough
- fever (at least 38C)
- shortness of breath
- a sore throat
- sneezing and runny nose
- temporary loss of smell.
The ministry urges New Zealanders to do their bit and go home immediately if anyone begins presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19. A medical practitioner or Healthline should be contacted in the first instance (0800 358 5453) to provide advice on testing. If an individual is told to undergo a test for COVID-19, the ministry asks all New Zealanders to follow the advice and organise a test immediately.
People attending events should also be using the NZ COVID Tracer app to keep a record of the times and routes they travelled on public transport.
Good hygiene should be maintained by ensuring hands are washed or sanitised regularly, particularly upon entering and leaving the event, and sneezing or coughing into a tissue or the elbow.
NZ COVID Tracer
NZ COVID Tracer now has 2,422,800 registered users. QR code poster scans have reached 145,323,663, and app users have created 5,859,983 manual diary entries.
Over the summer holiday break, the ministry is reminding all New Zealanders to keep each other safe and use the COVID Tracer app to scan QR codes and turn on Bluetooth functionality.
Ministry of Health updates over the holiday period
The ministry will continue to provide case updates throughout the holiday period. The reduced frequency of reporting reflects the routine nature of cases being caught at the border in managed isolation facilities.
The upcoming updates will be provided on Thursday, December 31; Sunday, January 3; Tuesday, January 5; Thursday, January 7 and Sunday, January 10.
