A case of Covid-19 detected in Palmerston North has been confirmed to be the Omicron variant, the Ministry of Health says.
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In total, there are 23 Covid-19 cases in the community today and 44 infections at the border. There are 18 cases in hospital, including one in ICU.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said "Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has confirmed that the case who tested positive in Palmerston North has the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
"The case became symptomatic on Wednesday and returned a positive Covid-19 test result on Wednesday evening, with WGS confirmed Thursday evening.
"Whole genome sequencing has identified similarities to border cases identified in Auckland, but no direct links. It has not identified any links to cases in the Christchurch MIQ facility, suggesting that the source of infection is offshore - either in the country they travelled from or during travel to New Zealand - rather than transmission in the Christchurch MIQ facility where they stayed."
The case is considered to be infectious from Monday 17 January.
All locations of interest associated with the case are considered to be high risk.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday announced that if transmission of the Omicron variant was detected in the community, all of New Zealand would move to the red traffic light setting within 24 to 48 hours.
Auckland Airport worker tests positive
There is another possible Omicron case in Auckland.
The person, a worker at Auckland Airport, is not linked to other reported Auckland Omicron cases.
"The worker's infection was detected in a routine surveillance test taken on 18 January and a positive result was returned yesterday," the ministry said.
"Whole genome sequencing is underway to determine the variant, though as a prudent measure, it is being treated as an Omicron case. Investigations are underway to determine the source of infection.
"Testing of both household and workplace close contacts is underway. To date, one household member has returned a positive result and one has tested negative."
The case is considered to be infectious from 16 January.
Isolation requirements changed
As an interim measure the isolation time for all Covid-19 cases is being extended to 14 days, due to the increased infectiousness of Omicron.
The period was previously 10 days.
"A similar change Is being applied for close contacts where all close contacts will now isolate for ten days. This was previous seven. These changes take effect from today," the ministry said.
"Isolation periods for cases and close contacts remain under review and are planned to change as part of the response to an Omicron community outbreak."
What happened yesterday
Yesterday there were 39 community cases of Covid-19 and 46 cases in MIQ.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday announced that if transmission of the Omicron variant was detected in the community, all of New Zealand would move to the red traffic light setting within 24 to 48 hours.
Ardern also announced that Te Tai Tokerau would move to the orange light setting overnight.