Coronavirus: No community cases, two in managed isolation

The total number of active cases in New Zealand is now 45.
The total number of active cases in New Zealand is now 45. Photo credit: Getty Images

No cases of COVID-19 were reported in the community on Friday, with two cases in managed isolation and quarantine facilities.

One historical case has also been reported.

The latest figures bring the total number of confirmed cases in New Zealand to 2514.

One of cases recorded in managed isolation arrived from Zimbabwe, via the United Arab Emirates, while the other travelled from the United Kingdom, via Qatar.

The total number of active cases in New Zealand is now 45.

Patient from Fiji

The Ministry of Health said a patient with COVID-19 from Fiji who was transferred to New Zealand on Thursday night is now in Middlemore Hospital "under strict infection prevention and control procedures".

The move to bring the worker, who is an employee of the United Nations (UN), to New Zealand for treatment has been controversial, with one expert saying it's a "dreadful decision" that puts the country "at unnecessary risk".

But the UN says it has a duty of care to its employees.

"The patient remains in a dedicated, secure ICU unit," the ministry said.

"There are appropriate isolation and infection prevention and control plans in place at all the metro-DHB hospitals, including Middlemore Hospital, where this patient is being managed."

Taranaki wastewater

Daily sampling from the New Plymouth wastewater treatment plant, along with further samples from sites around the Taranaki region continues this week, after positive wastewater results were detected last week.

"There have been no subsequent detections of the virus to date, while community testing is also continuing," the ministry said.

"We are also recommending that anyone who has recently been in Australia who is now in Taranaki to get tested even if they don’t have symptoms."

Mattina Update

The Mattina vessel remains in quarantine in Bluff and is inaccessible by the public.

Two of the ship's mariners who tested positive for COVID-19 remain in Southland Hospital and are in a stable condition, after a second transfer yesterday, the ministry said.

Viking Bay

Sixteen of the 20 crew members are now back aboard the Viking Bay, which remains in quarantine at Queens Wharf in Wellington.

Four of the crew members remain in managed isolation in Wellington.

The ministry said deep cleaning of the vessel will take place in the coming days and the vessel is expected to depart next week.