News
There are three new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today and for the first time six historical cases are being reported.
In a statement just before 1.30pm, the Ministry of health says the historical cases are made up of one confirmed case dating back to February and five probable historical cases connected to the case also dating back to February.
None of the new community cases are connected to the Auckland August community cluster, it says.
“Today’s three new community cases are a family group linked to a previously reported Christchurch to Auckland chartered flight. They have been self-isolating over the last three days.”
There was no press conference today.
The ministry says there are 37 people isolating in the Auckland quarantine facility from the community, which includes 17 people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and their household contacts.
Three people are in hospital – one each at Auckland City, Middlemore and North Shore hospitals. All three patients are in isolation on a general ward.
“Since August 11, our contact tracing team has identified 4,014 close contacts of cases, of which 4,006 have been contacted and are self-isolating or have completed self-isolation. We are in the process of contacting the rest.”
Three previously reported cases have now recovered from Covid-19.
The total number of active cases is 62, 28 of those are imported cases in MIQ facilities, and 34 are community cases.
The total number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand is now 1,468.
There were 6,938 Covid tests processed yesterday, bringing the total number of tests completed to date to 924,637.
Yesterday there were no new cases in New Zealand.
A handful of historical Covid-19 cases have returned weak positive tests in New Zealand, and Director-General Dr Ashley Bloomfield told Morning Report we may see more, but he’s confident they’re not infectious.
Meanwhile some family doctors are upset about what they say is an inadequate supply of vital personal protective equipment (PPE).
Source: rnz.co.nz Republished by arrangement.