COVID-19 Update

There are 2 new cases of COVID-19 to report. Both are cases in the community and both have epidemiological links to the Auckland cluster.

2 previously reported cases are considered to have recovered today. Our total number of active cases is 136, plus one previously reported probable case remains active. Of the 137 active cases, 20 are imported cases in MIQ.

One new case is a household contact of a previously confirmed case associated with the Finance Now workplace. The other new case is associated with an existing Tokoroa case. ​
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This new case is a healthcare worker who works at a medical centre in Tokoroa (continued)

It is believed they came into contact with the existing case on the 17th of August. As per usual protocols, a test was carried out following exposure which returned negative The positive test came back following a second test when the person became unwell.

The medical centre they work at is closed pending further contact tracing and is undergoing a deep clean. The centre has been operating under Alert level 4 precautions with PPE use, telehealth and patient screening (continued)

The potentially infectious period for this case was before the 25-27 August. The case lives alone (no household contacts) and has been in Isolation since 27 August.

Two testing sites are available in Tokoroa today: Tokoroa Hospital open til 3pm & South Waikato Pacific Islands community services til 5pm. If you are concerned, please contact Healthline and have a test if it is offered.

There are 10 people with COVID-19 in our hospitals today. 2 in Aucklandd city, 3 in Middlemore, 3 in North Shore and 2 in Waitkato. 8 people are on a ward and 2 are in ICU - one each in Middlemore and Waikato Hospitals.

Out total number of confirmed cases to date is 1,378.​
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Yesterday our labs processed 10,487 tests. Our total number of tests completed is 750,808.

Widespread testing is a critical part of our COVID-19 elimination strategy and continues to be a precautionary measure. We continue to advise New Zealanders that, if they experience cold or flu symptoms, they should call their doctor, iwi health provider or Healthline for advice.

We expect to see more cases from the cluster in Auckland. Today’s cases are contacts from right at the beginning of the outbreak. This shows that we need to remain vigilant as the tail of the cluster will be long.

Analysis from ESR shows that to date, cases have been genomically linked. This means we know they come from a single source. ​Whilst the source of the cluster is yet to be identified, genomic analysis tells us that the starting point for this outbreak was the Americold site.

No links have been found with genomes currently available from cases in managed isolation facilities. Our sweep of border staff also hasn’t resulted in any evidence to show the source of the outbreak if there is one beyond Americold.

A reminder that Auckland will be moving to Alert level 2.5 at 11:59pm tonight. Social gatherings are limited to 10 - this includes everything from birthdays, family gatherings, even friends and neighbours.

From tomorrow, face coverings will be mandatory on all public transport for anyone 12 years and older throughout NZ. ​
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We are encouraging Aucklanders to wear a mask every time you go out. This is one of the key ways you can protect yourself and others.

We are keeping aged-care facilities in very strict settings. To find out more, please do contact the facility where you have a loved one.