Coronavirus: Six new cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand managed isolation

Sixteen previously reported cases have now recovered.
Sixteen previously reported cases have now recovered. Photo credit: Getty.

Six new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in managed isolation since the last update on Sunday.

  • One case arrived on January 2 from the United Kingdom via Qatar and Australia. This person tested positive on day 0/1 of routine testing and is in the Auckland quarantine facility.
  • One case arrived on December 31 from the United States of America. This person tested positive during routine testing around day 3 and is in a Christchurch quarantine facility.
  • One case arrived on December 29 from the United Kingdom via the United Arab Emirates and tested positive at day six. This person is in the Auckland quarantine facility.
  • One case arrived on December 27 from Switzerland via the United Arab Emirates and tested positive at day six. This person is in the Auckland quarantine facility.
  • One case arrived on December 22 from South Africa via Qatar. This person tested positive at routine testing around day 12 and is in the Auckland quarantine facility.
  • One case arrived on December 19 from India via the United Arab Emirates. This person was a close contact of a confirmed case and tested positive at day 15. They are in the Auckland quarantine facility.

Sixteen previously reported cases have now recovered, the Ministry of Health says. That means New Zealand now has 61 active cases and a confirmed case total of 1830.

Overall, labs have processed 1,419,361 tests.

The ministry says there are 2,429,400 registered NZ COVID Tracer app users and have been 147,878,633 poster scans and 5,968,002 manual diary entries.

However, there are calls for people to keep up with QR code scanning. 

"We are seeing a notable drop-off in people using the COVID Tracer App. The ministry would like to remind all New Zealanders to keep each other safe and use the COVID Tracer app to scan QR codes and turn on Bluetooth functionality," the ministry said a statement.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the globe we need to remain vigilant so we can continue to enjoy the conditions which we are lucky enough to be living under today.

"Use the app, stay home if you are unwell, maintain stringent hygiene practices, including washing and drying your hands and cough or sneeze into your elbow."

The ministry said it's especially important to use the app while on holiday and people should turn on their Bluetooth functionality.