A South Korean man now hospitalised with COVID-19 visited a popular Auckland mall and second-hand store before leaving the country, new travel details show.
He tested positive for the deadly virus upon his arrival in South Korea. It's thought he could have picked up the infection on his way over, but catching it while in New Zealand has not been ruled out.
Testing across the city is being ramped up as a result with Auckland Regional Public Health (ARPHS) detailing the 22-year-old's movements in the week before he left New Zealand.
On Thursday July 16 at 9:30am he visited Dress Smart in Onehunga before moving on to second-hand store Savemart between 10 and 10:30am. He also went to the food court of Sylvia Park shopping centre between 11am and 1pm and then the King Club Pool Hall in Botany between 1:30pm and 2:30pm.
He also visited Spicy House on Dominion Road between 7pm and 9pm on Monday July 6.
ARPHS says the risk of infection is "very low" for people who were in the same place at the same time, as he may not have been infectious while he was in New Zealand.
"It is possible he caught the virus during his travel to South Korea," said a statement from ARPHS.
"There is a low risk that he was contagious and an even lower risk that he infected staff or members of the public."
Despite the low risk, anyone who was in any of the places at the same time as the man should get tested for the virus if they show any symptoms.
The man's flatmates all tested negative for the virus.
Regardless, the owners of each establishment have been informed so they can decide if they want to close and clean their facilities.
