A ward at Christchurch Hospital has been closed to new admissions after a staff member became a probable case of COVID-19.
In a statement, the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) said closing Ward 28 was a "precautionary measure" after the staff member had close contact with a positive case outside of the hospital.
"Our staff member is now considered a probable case. Contact tracing is underway and some staff have been asked to self-isolate and monitor their health in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines," the DHB said.
Eleven staff members who were close contacts are self-isolating.
A probable case is where the individual has returned a negative test, but the clinician believes they likely have the illness considering their overseas travel history, symptoms and potential exposure to other infected people.
The CDHB said there was "extensive training in infection, prevention and control practises" taking place as well as enhanced clearning and training in donning and removing personal protective equipment.
The probable case is counted among the 66 confirmed and probable cases in Canterbury DHB, an increase of seven on Friday.
There are 950 cases across the country and one person has died from the illness, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
