New Zealand has recorded five new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, all of which were detected in managed isolation and quarantine facilities, the Ministry of Health says.
The country's total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is now 1498. No cases are currently in hospital.
"Of the five individuals who tested positive, two arrived from Switzerland via the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia on September 29 and one each from Russia via the United Arab Emirates on September 21, from Ukraine on September 29; and from Australia on September 30," a Ministry of Health spokesman said.
"Two of the returnees are in managed isolation in Auckland; one has already been transferred to Auckland's quarantine facility and arrangements are in place for the second person to be transferred."
On Saturday, labs processed 3616 tests, taking New Zealand's total to date to 979,985.
Updated requirements for air crew
From 11:59pm on Sunday, New Zealand-based air crew will have to wear PPE on all flights and in airports, and must isolate with other crew members while on overseas layovers.
The Ministry of Health says overseas-based air crew who are laying over in New Zealand must now do so in a Government-managed isolation facility for as long as they are in the country, to ensure they avoid contact with New Zealanders.
New Zealand-based crew returning from high-risk locations overseas must self-isolate for at least 48 hours after their return - and until they are assessed as being low-risk for COVID-19, the Ministry says.
"The Ministry is aware these measures are already widely used, and this change will make sure that they're applied consistently."
