The Ministry of Health says there are two new cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand, both of which are imported.
One of the new cases is an individual who arrived into New Zealand from Ukraine on September 23 via the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The second is someone who arrived in New Zealand on a flight from Pakistan via the UAE on September 23.
"They were on the same flight but not travelling together. Both individuals tested positive as a result of tests done around day three and have been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility," the Ministry of Health says.
There are no new cases of COVID-19 in the community.
There are now 44 close contacts associated with the three cases reported last Wednesday. They are now isolating, and all but one have returned negative tests. The remaining result is pending.
Eighteen people are isolating at the Auckland quarantine facility from the community, including nine people tested positive for the virus and their household contacts.
One person is in Middlemore hospital on a ward.
"Since August 11, our contact tracing team has identified 4,079 close contacts of cases, of which 4,079 have been contacted and are self-isolating or have completed self-isolation."
New Zealand now has 55 active cases of COVID-19, of which 29 are imported in isolation facilities and 26 are community cases. We have now recorded 1479 confirmed cases overall.
On Monday, labs processed 3636 tests, taking our total to 955,590.
"There are now 2,283,600 users registered on NZ COVID Tracer. The app has recorded a total of 78,171,245 poster scans, and users have created 3,412,520 manual diary entries in NZ COVID Tracer."
With students out on school holidays, the Ministry of Health says we must remain vigilant.
"While many people will be enjoying a break over the next two weeks, it’s also important to remember that the COVID-19 virus exploits any opportunity to spread."
It wants Kiwis to remember:
- If you become unwell while on holiday, call Heathline, your GP, or Nurse Practitioner who can advise whether you should be tested. If you’re advised to get a test, please do so; don’t wait until you get home to get tested.
- Continue to sign into places using the NZ COVID Tracer app or keep a record of where you’ve been. This is especially important when on holiday because you may not remember all the locations you’ve visited.
- Maintain good hygiene practices, including washing and drying your hands, or use hand sanitiser if unable to wash your hands.
- Remember, while in Level 2 it’s mandatory to wear a mask on public transport in Auckland. You are encouraged to wear one on public transport throughout the rest of New Zealand. Use hand sanitiser regularly, especially when entering and exiting public transport.
- When flying to, through or from Auckland it’s mandatory to wear a mask. It’s encouraged to wear a mask when flying on other regional routes. Use hand sanitiser or wash your hands before, during and after the flight.
