The Director-General of Health says people from the Parliament protest seeking care at Wellington Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health said on Wednesday that two positive results had been detected among the group of protesters, who are currently camped on Parliament's front lawn and blocking surrounding streets.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield couldn't provide an updated number on Thursday, but told reporters that people from the protest had arrived at hospital with COVID-19.
"We have seen reports that there have been people who have been at the protest that have sought care at the hospital through the emergency department, most likely because they are away from their usual residence," he said.
"Everybody going through the EDs at the moment is being tested, they have tested positive for COVID-19. What I am not sure if whether they sought care because of COVID-19-related symptoms or for another reason."
Many of the proteters at Parliament oppose vaccines and vaccine mandates, while some have abused members of the public for wearing masks and following health advice.
Dr Bloomfield said the situation was very concerning.
"I'd be as concerned as anyone else because we know exactly the sorts of things that are likely to spread this virus. It puts people there at risk and some of those people, especially because we know there are lower vaccination rates, will get unwell and particularly unwell, and that puts them at risk."
The protest was also designated as a location of interest on Thursday, with people there between 11am and 11:49pm on both Saturday and Sunday told to self-isolate for seven days.
However, that advice is likely to become redundant for most in less than 12 hours. New Zealand moves to Omicron phase three at 11:59pm on Thursday night, when only household contacts will be required to self-isolate.
Regardless of the health advice, the protesters have been trespassed and police - and the public - are pleading with them to move on.
