2 new Covid cases in MIQ reported today

There are two new cases of COVID-19 reported in New Zealand today, both detected in recent returnees in managed isolation. There are no new community cases.

Both cases arrived on 19 November and tested positive around day 3 of their stay in managed isolation.

The first person arrived from the United Kingdom via the United Arab Emirates and the country of origin of the second case is currently being determined.

Both people have been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility.

There are 52 active cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand.

NZ's total number of confirmed cases is 1,674.

Yesterday the laboratories completed 3,274 tests for COVID-19, bringing the total number of tests completed to date to 1,234,175.

November quarantine cluster

The Ministry of Health initially reported Case F was a border worker. This is incorrect – Case F is a close contact of Case B.

As MoH reported on Saturday, Case F has been in isolation since 7 November, and their close contacts have all returned a negative result, so MoH believes the virus has been contained.

Whole genome sequencing for Case F shows a link to Case B.

NINE cases in MIQ on Sunday, November 22

There were 9 new cases of COVID-19 reported in New Zealand on Sunday, Novenber 22, all were recent returnees in managed isolation. There were no new cases in the community.

Of these recent returnees:

• One person arrived from France on 17 November and tested positive at around day 3. They are now in the Auckland quarantine facility.
• One person arrived from the Netherlands on 17 November and tested positive at around day 3. They are now in the Auckland quarantine facility.
• One person arrived from Dubai on 17 November and tested positive at around day 3. They are now in the Auckland quarantine facility.
• One person arrived from the United States on 19 November and tested positive at around day 3. They are now in quarantine in Christchurch.
• One person arrived from the United Kingdom on 14 November and tested positive following routine surveillance at around day 7. They are now in the Auckland quarantine facility.
• Two people, who were travelling separately, arrived on the same flight from Bangladesh on 10 November and tested positive at around day 12. They are now in the Auckland quarantine facility.
• One person arrived from Spain on 16 November and tested positive at around day 3. They are now in the Auckland quarantine facility.
• One person arrived from Italy on 16 November and tested positive at around day 3. They are now in quarantine in Christchurch.

Ministry of Health said, the varied origins of these cases is a clear reminder that as COVID-19 continues to batter countries and jurisdictions around the globe, mandatory isolation and testing will continue to be of critical importance as high numbers of New Zealanders return home before the holiday period.

Alert Level 1

Anyone who becomes unwell with cold or flu symptoms anywhere in the country should seek a COVID-19 test quickly, and stay at home.

This may not always be convenient, especially if you have made plans that you then have to cancel – but it is incredibly important.

If you are unwell, sacrifice your plans and protect your family, friends and colleagues by staying at home and getting a COVID-19 test.

It is the best way to ensure the freedoms we enjoy under Alert Level 1 can continue into the much-anticipated summer break.

We must all remain vigilant to the threat posed by the virus and remember how quickly it can spread.

Testing is free and locations to get a test can be found via the Ministry of Health website.