COVID-19: Seven new cases, no new community cases

File photo.

There are seven new cases of COVID-19 detected in recent returnees in managed isolation.

There are no new cases in the community.

The seven cases of COVID-19 were detected since the Ministry of Health's last media update on December 27.

Of the new border cases:

  • One case arrived on December 14 from the United States. The person tested positive at routine testing around day 12 and has been transferred to quarantine in a 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.
  • Two cases, travelling separately, arrived on December 24 from India via the United Arab Emirates. Both tested positive at routine testing 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 at routine testing 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. The total number of active cases in New Zealand is 49. The total number of confirmed NZ cases is 1,795.

The total number of tests processed by laboratories to date is 1,398,932.

Summer events

At Alert Level 1 there are no longer restrictions on events or gathering sizes. This means large scale events are allowed to take place.

"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," says a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

Those symptoms could include:

  • a new or worsening cough
  • fever (at least 38˚C)
  • shortness of breath
  • a sore throat
  • sneezing and runny nose
  • temporary loss of smell

"If you begin to experience any COVID-19 symptoms at an event, don't stick around, take yourself home."

The Ministry of Health advise people to Immediately contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or their health professional who can advise whether they should be tested.

"If you are advised to get a test, please do so; do not wait to get tested. Testing is free."

The Ministry of Health advise everyone use the NZ COVID Tracer App to check in on all public transport including buses and trains, or keep a record of the times and route they took to get to the event.

"Practise good hygiene by washing or sanitising your hands regularly, particularly upon entering and leaving the event. Sneeze or cough into your elbow."

NZ COVID Tracer

NZ COVID Tracer now has 2,422,800 registered users.

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.

"This will allow you to receive an alert if you have been near another app user who tests positive for COVID-19."

Find out more by clicking here.

Ministry of Health updates over the holiday period

The Ministry will continue through the holiday period to provide updates about cases and actions taken in response.

The frequency of reporting continues to reflect the routine nature of the cases appearing at the border in recent returnees in managed isolation facilities.

Upcoming scheduled reporting dates will be: Thursday December 31; Sunday January 3; Tuesday January 5; Thursday January 7 and Sunday January 10.

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1 comment

Scary

Posted on 29-12-2020 16:09 | By Slim Shady

One from the UK. They need to take extra special care with that one.


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