New Zealand has no new cases of COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health. But new information has been revealed about several previously reported cases.
The country's total number of confirmed cases therefore remains at 1492. No one is currently in hospital with COVID-19.
Ten previously reported cases are now considered to have reported, taking the active case count to 43. Of those, 32 are imported cases in isolation facilities and 11 are community cases.
On Thursday, labs processed 4403 tests, taking the total to 970,641.
While our case numbers are low, the pandemic continues overseas, particularly in countries Kiwis are returning home from, Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay says. We will continue to see imported cases.
She recommends that in the 14 days prior to departure, people coming back to New Zealand should avoid crowded places - like parties - or people with COVID-19. Staying home as much as possible also helps, she says. People should get a test if symptoms develop.
Update on returnee cases
Dr McElnay also provided an update on cases associated with returnees in a Christchurch isolation facility.
The first case reported was on September 19 and they had come from India on August 27 and had completed 14 days in isolation. They returned two negative tests. They then flew along with others on a charter flight to Auckland on September 11.
While authorities can't be conclusive, it's believed they were infected on that flight by someone seated behind them who had also completed their isolation stay and had returned negative tests. That person was showing no symptoms but tested positive on September 23 as part of the plane's contact tracing. No further cases associated with that flight or any of the subsequent movements of these cases, other than their close household contacts, have been found.
The September 23 case was likely exposed to COVID-19 near the end of their stay in isolation. The virus was likely incubating at the time of their day 12 test, which was negative. Dr McElnay said the ministry believes the virus may have been transmitted to that person via the surface of a rubbish bin used by another returnee likely infectious at the facility.
That person tested positive on their day 12 and was reported on September 9. But they were likely infectious before testing positive. They also had come from India and are believed to have caught the virus on the flight. They were negative on their day 3 test but were likely incubating the virus then.
Genomic sequencing has allowed authorities to link these cases
An extensive investigation into all of these cases has occured, including by viewing CCTV footage. The rubbish bin has been identified as a common factor, similar to the lift button at the Rydges Hotel.
Contact with the bin could have occured between September 5 and 7. There were times during that period when both people had contact with the bin, CCTV footage shows. It wasn't a one-off event.
This shows how tricky the virus is, according to Dr McElnay.
Guidance for all facilities has been updated and all bins in public areas must now be no-touch and all rubbish must be securely sealed in plastic bags prior to disposal.
The bin in question here had a lid, was in a corridor and was for a floor. Residents collect their own rubbish and put them into the bins. They're told to use sanitiser before and after using the bins.
The Ministry of Health will continue to consider how managed isolation is managed as more is found out about the virus.
Dr McElnay thanks the initial case for getting tested after having symptoms despite their previous negative tests. She said this prevented the virus from spreading further.
It is a timely reminder, however, to be vigilant, she said.
