5 Dec 2020

Covid-19 update: Nine new cases in managed isolation

1:13 pm on 5 December 2020

There have been nine new cases of Covid-19 reported in managed isolation in New Zealand today, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.

COVID-19, Coronavirus, group of viruses in a worldwide pandemic concept.

Photo: 123rf.com

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were no new community cases.

The nine new cases include one historical case and eight active cases.

The active cases are:

  • One case arrived on 30 November from the United Kingdom via the United States.
  • One case arrived on 1 December from Sweden via Qatar and Australia.
  • One case arrived on 23 November from the United States.
  • Four cases, travelling separately, arrived on 30 November from the United States.
  • One case arrived on 26 November from South Africa. They were in the same travel bubble as a previously reported case.

All have been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility.

The ministry said that the varied origins of these cases was another clear reminder of the critical importance of the

mandatory isolation and testing programme, with high numbers of New Zealanders returning home before the holiday period.

"The Ministry of Health again wants to thank all staff at the managed isolation and quarantine facilities for their efforts in keeping New Zealand safe."

The total number of active cases is now 59 and the total number of confirmed cases has reached 1722.

The ministry said 6047 tests were processed in New Zealand's laboratories.

It also said that laboratories had completed processing of the Pakistan cricket team's day nine swabs and all 43 results were negative.

There were no new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand yesterday, however

two Fijians who arrived from New Zealand last month tested positive for Covid-19 in Fiji. The pair - aged 75 and 57 - arrived at Nadi Airport on a repatriation flight from Auckland on 19 November.

It was also announced yesterday that the Pakistan men's cricket team will not be allowed to leave their hotel to train until after they have finished their managed isolation in Christchurch.

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