Returnees at Novotel Auckland Airport have had their managed isolation stay extended after two people at the facility tested positive to Covid-19 last night.
(File image) Photo: Supplied / Alexa Cook
The two cases arrived on 14 June, one from Moscow and one from Dubai, with both receiving their positive result on day 12.
The Ministry of Health said 125 returnees have had their stay extended until genome sequencing of the results is complete.
It said 57 were due to depart last night, while 68 were due to depart later today or tomorrow.
Health officials are working to identify the strain and if there is a genomic relationship between the cases. Those results are expected in the next 48 hours.
In a statement, the ministry said it was standard protocol to investigate cases found after day three to rule out in-facility transmission.
"This is not an extraordinary measure, we do sometimes extend the stay of returnees, based on public health requirements, when health officials need time to investigate cases."