Covid-19 update: 11 new cases in the community, including three in Wellington

By RNZ.co.nz. Republished with permission

There have been 11 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the community this afternoon, including three in Wellington, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.

In a statement, the Health Ministry said there were now 31 cases associated with the current Auckland community outbreak.

“All cases have or are being transferred safely to a managed isolation facility, under strict infection prevention and control procedures, including the use of full PPE.”

The Ministry said the three in Wellington had recently travelled to Auckland and visited a location of interest there.

The 11 new community cases reported today include three seperate cases were in family bubbles with previously reported cases, while two of today’s cases are also in a family bubble together.

“Public health officials are currently conducting interviews to establish how the new cases were infected and to determine further details of their movements. We will continue to release this information as it becomes available.”

It also said the international Air New Zealand crew member reported yesterday has now been confirmed as a border-related case, and not linked to the Auckland outbreak, based on the results of whole genome sequencing.

The Ministry said there were also two new cases in managed isolation.

There were 27,899 tests were processed across New Zealand.

The Ministry said testing centres in Auckland had their busiest day ever, by more than 50 percent.

“More than 24,000 community tests were performed across Auckland yesterday, with more than 8000 at community testing centres and around 16,000 at general practice and urgent care clinics. Police are helping to manage traffic flows at sites.

“There are 13 community testing centres available for testing across Auckland today, including seven pop-up community testing centres at Narrow Neck, St Lukes, Wairau Valley, St Johns, Albany, Mângere East, and Pakuranga Heights. There is additional dedicated testing for Avondale College staff, students and whânau, who are considered to be close contacts.”

About 2600 swabs have also been taken from Auckland City Hospital staff and all have been negative so far, after a fully vaccinated staff member worked there while unknowingly potentially infectious.

Earlier today North Shore Hospital took action after it was confirmed a patient who has now tested positive for Covid-19 was treated there. New Zealand Post also revealed a positive Covid-19 case this morning, a temporary worker at their Auckland Operations Centre in Highbrook.

Cabinet is currently meeting to decide whether the country’s alert level settings should be changed or not and is expected to make an announcement at 3pm.

***

This is an official Covid-19 ALERT.

All of New Zealand is now at Covid-19 alert level 4.

The alert level will be reviewed after 3 days for all areas EXCEPT Auckland & Coromandel Peninsula which is likely to remain at level 4 for an initial period of 7 days.

A community case of Covid-19 has been identified.

Stay at home where possible & follow the Alert Level 4 guidelines. This will stop the spread of Covid-19 and SAVE LIVES.

Everyone is asked to:

Wear a mask and keep a 2 metre distance from others whenever you leave your home.

If you are sick, call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about getting tested.

Keep on scanning QR codes whenever you leave your home.

Practice good hygiene – wash hands often.

Services including supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics & petrol stations will stay open at Alert Level 4. Face coverings are mandatory for all people – both employees and customers – at businesses and services operating at Alert Level 4 involving customer contact.

For more information on Alert Level 4 go to [the government website www.covid19.govt.nz]

***

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As New Zealand’s Lifeline Utility radio broadcaster, RNZ is required to maintain essential public information channels and news during times of national emergency and we are committed to supporting all New Zealanders.

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RNZ will continue to provide essential information services – broadcasting and publishing critical public service announcements on air, on our website and via social media channels. Comprehensive news will be available on air and via our website and digital services.

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Kia Kaha – Stay Strong

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