4 May 2021

Covid-19: One new case in MIQ - Ministry of Health

1:30 pm on 4 May 2021

One new case has tested positive in managed isolation and quarantine facilities today, the Ministry of Health says.

Coronavirus cells floating on a sepia backdrop with monochromatic shades, 3d illustration. Covid-19 infection pandemic concept, microscope magnification.

(File image). Photo: 123rf.com

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 24 active cases in New Zealand after two people recovered.

It said there were no new cases in the community to report. Total confirmed cases is 2267.  

The ministry said the 29 casual-plus contacts from the Brisbane Airport green zone breach were due for their day five test today, and results would be known in the coming days.

Developments in Western Australia were being monitored, the ministry said, but no further community cases had been reported.

No people who had arrived in New Zealand had yet contacted healthline to say they were at the locations of interest at the relevant time, the ministry said, but new locations had been listed and anyone in those areas at the specified time should call 0800 358 5453 immediately and seek a test.

Those people should also follow health advice from the Western Australia government regarding isolation and testing, the ministry said.

More people working in MIQ facilities may be fired for not receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. It comes after Customs revealed nine staff lost their jobs as a result of their decision to not receive the vaccine.

Since Saturday, it has been mandatory for anyone working at the border to have had at least their first jab, under the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today told Morning Report that New Zealand will join international calls to discover the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This evening, Ardern will be part of an international panel of heads of state discussing preparing for future disease outbreaks.

In the annual pre-Budget speech today, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said not all money set aside for the Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund had been spent, and $926 million of savings could be used to help the recovery from the pandemic.

More to come...

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