The Air New Zealand crew member who tested positive after travelling from the United States was likely infected there, genomic sequencing shows.
ESR researchers test waste water from managed isolation facilities. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
In a statement, the Ministry of Health confirmed there were no new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand today - either in managed isolation or in the community.
The ministry said investigations into the case of the Air NZ crew member in the US was still ongoing, and the crew member was still at the Auckland quaratine facility.
Preliminary genome sequencing showed the infection's source was likely the United States.
Three other crew members who were with them remained in isolation, the ministry said. All three would be tested today.
The ministry has been providing case number updates at a lower frequency since last Wednesday, and is reporting only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday each week. The next update is expected on Wednesday.
There have been reports today that some returnees desperate to get a spot in managed isolation have taken multiple bookings, which has left some rooms unused.
Meanwhile, doctors in small towns around New Zealand are worried about an influx of visitors during the holiday season putting strain on their practices as the threat of Covid-19 rises due to surges overseas.
Three new cases were reported yesterday.
- If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre