There are six people with Covid-19 in the Taranaki town of Stratford, including one in hospital, the Ministry of Health has reported this evening.
Covid-19 testing in Stratford earlier in November. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
All were tested today and returned positive results this evening.
One person was admitted to Taranaki Base hospital.
The others are isolating at home.
"All six cases are clearly linked and there is also a link to the Auckland outbreak which is being further investigated," the ministry said in a statement.
"Interviews are underway this evening and contact tracing will be underway tomorrow.
"Today's results are likely to explain the recent wastewater detections in the town - the most recent was reported Tuesday 9 November. Any locations of interest will be publicised once determined.
"Anyone in Stratford, or any recent visitors to the town with Covid-19 related symptoms, no matter how mild, should get tested."
Testing is available at:
- Stratford pop-up clinic at the War Memorial car park Fri-Sun from 10-2pm daily.
- Taranaki Base Hospital Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 10am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm (hours can be extended if needed)
- Hawera Hospital, Fri-Sun 10am-1pm
The Taranaki DHB will provide information on testing and vaccination sites that will be available in Stratford tomorrow.
Waste water detection of Covid-19 in Stratford was first confirmed by the Ministry of Health on 5 November but no cases had been identified until today.
On Wednesday, Taranaki DHB medical officer of health Jonathan Jarman said the working theory was that positive waste water results could probably be traced to a visitor to the region.