A case that was under investigation after returning a weak positive result from a test in Whangārei earlier this week has today returned a positive test result in Auckland.
Photo: 123RF
In a statement released this evening, the Ministry of Health said its current assessment is that the earlier weak result combined with the positive result today indicate that the original test was taken in the person's early stage of infection.
Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay says this would help limit any potential spread of infection from the case. Public health interviews are now underway to confirm the person's movements, she said.
Locations of interest in Auckland and Northland will be posted on the Ministry of Health website as they become available, probably tomorrow, the statement said.
Dr Caroline McElnay Photo: POOL/ Robert Kitchin
Northland DHB is stepping up its screening at Northland hospitals for visitors and patients and arranging additional testing. Anyone with symptoms should get tested and people in Auckland and Northland should check tomorrow for new locations of interest.
The DHB is also encouraging vaccination at general practice, pharmacy, Māori health providers and DHB clinics.