Five Air NZ flights have been linked to nine cases in the Nelson Tasman areas, and a crew member has tested positive for the virus.
File photo Photo: camfoto/123RF
Large testing centres are operating in the Nelson Marlborough region today, as health authorities ramp up screening.
There are 35 testing sites in the Nelson Marlborough DHB's area, and while most are closed today, two big testing sites are being run at Saxton Field Sports Complex in Stoke, and Motueka Recreation Centre carpark.
Nine people from the same household have tested positive for Covid-19.
One of those cases was counted in yesterday's tally, and eight were included in today's national tally.
It had been more than a month since the last confirmed case of Covid-19 in the region.
Public health officials said recent travel to Auckland is being investigated as the possible source of infection.
An Air New Zealand crew member who was on one of the same Auckland to Nelson flights as the nine cases has tested positive.
The flights the cases took are now locations of interest. They cover Auckland, Nelson and New Plymouth.
Everyone who was on those flights will be contacted and given advice, and anyone who hasn't yet been contacted is asked to isolate at home.
- Flight NZ 5083 from Auckland to Nelson at 5.20 pm on 16 January
- Flight NZ 5080 from Nelson to Auckland at 4 pm on 19 January
- Flight NZ 5077 from Auckland to Nelson at 2pm on 19 January
- Flight NZ 5049 from Auckland to New Plymouth at 7.50 pm on 19 January
- Flight NZ 5042 from New Plymouth to Auckland at 1.50 pm on 20 January
Nelson Airport has also been identified as a location of interest in the outbreak.
Anyone who was at the airport from 6.50 to 7.10pm last Sunday should get tested if they develop Covid symptoms.
DHB clinical director of public health Stephen Bridgman urged people to remain vigilant.
"The fact that that we've got a few cases means that there is a higher risk that there may be other cases in the community and we're really keen to have people that have any symptoms get tested as soon as possible, then isolate."
The Ministry of Health asked that any potential close contacts either call Healthline, or register online on the Ministry of Health locations of interest page, and said the advice each person will be given will be specific to the individual.