Two new and one historic case of coronavirus have been detected in New Zealand's managed isolation and quarantine facilities, the Director-General of Health has revealed.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield also confirmed that, for the 13th day in a row, there are no new community cases.
On Wednesday, the country's last active community cases were deemed to have recovered.
Of the new cases, one arrived in New Zealand from Ireland via Dubai on September 29. They were isolating at the Sudima Hotel and tested positive after exhibiting symptoms on around day eight of their stay.
The second new case arrived from Hong Kong on October 3. They have been staying at Auckland's Holiday Inn and tested positive during their routine day three test.
Both of these cases have now been transferred to the Jet Park Hotel, Auckland's quarantine facility.
The third case is regarded as historic, and was not believed to be infectious while they were in New Zealand. They arrived from India on August 27 and twice tested negative in managed isolation.
However they later returned a weak positive result after tests were processed as part of an investigation into cases relating to a group Christchurch returnees.
After consultation with Indian health authorities, it was determined the person hadn't been recorded as a case there so could be added to New Zealand's tally.
The new cases and one new recovery sees the total number of active cases rise to 39 - all of which are imported.
'It's alert level one, not alert level none'
Dr Bloomfield was quick to remind Aucklanders that while a shift down the alert levels overnight means they more freedom, they should still remain vigilant.
"There is an ongoing risk that further community cases will emerge in the future, and the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the community is much greater in lower alert levels when there are no restrictions on gatherings or going out," he said.
"Our key point is that alert level 1 is not alert level none - so we need to stay alert and all play our part.
"Any future cases need to be quickly identified, and their contacts isolated and tested, to avoid the virus spreading unimpeded in our communities."
The Director-General of Health offered some simple advice for Aucklanders at alert level 1:
- If you are unwell, stay home, and seek advice on getting a test
- Continue to keep a record of where you have been and who you have seen
- Use masks on public transport and flights
- Maintain physical distancing where possible
- Keep to stringent hygiene practices such as regularly washing and drying hands and coughing or sneezing into your elbow
"Vigilance from each and every one of us will support us remaining in alert level 1," he said. "Remember, it's only by acting together that we can protect our whanau and communities."
