New Zealand / Covid 19

Covid-19 update 23 November: Two new cases, both in managed isolation

13:19 pm on 23 November 2020

There are two new cases of Covid-19 today, both in managed isolation facilities, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.

File image. Photo: AFP

Yesterday, there were nine new cases of Covid-19 reported in New Zealand's managed isolation facilities.

In a statement the ministry said there were no new community transmission cases.

Both cases arrived on 19 November and tested positive around day three of their stay in managed isolation, the ministry said.

It said the first person arrived from the United Kingdom via the United Arab Emirates and the country of origin of the second case was still being determined. Both had been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility.

That brings the total number of active cases in New Zealand to 52 and the total number of confirmed cases is 1674.

Yesterday there were 3274 Covid-19 tests produced, bringing the total number of tests completed to date to 1,234,175.

November quarantine cluster

In its statement, the ministry said initially Case F was reported as a border worker but that was incorrect. Case F is a close contact of Case B, it said.

"As we reported on Saturday, Case F has been in isolation since 7 November, and their close contacts have all returned a negative result, so we believe the virus to be contained."

Whole genome sequencing for Case F shows a link to Case B.

The ministry was reminding anyone who becomes unwell with cold or flu symptoms anywhere in the country to seek a Covid-19 test quickly, and stay at home.

"This may not always be convenient, especially if you have made plans that you then have to cancel - but it is incredibly important."

"If you are unwell, sacrifice your plans and protect your family, friends and colleagues by staying at home and getting a Covid-19 test."