There are two cases in New Zealand today in managed isolation, the Ministry of Health says.
A Covid-19 specimen swab (file image). Photo: Jenya/123rf
In a statement, the ministry said neither of the two new cases were connected to the managed isolation facility at the Pullman Hotel.
One of the new cases arrived in New Zealand on 2 February from Zambia via United Arab Emirates and tested positive for the virus on day five of routine-day testing.
The person was in the same travel bubble as the case reported on Sunday who tested positive for Covid-19 while in hospital in Auckland for a non Covid-related condition.
As a close contact they had already moved to an Auckland quarantine facility.
The second person arrived in New Zealand on 4 February from France via United Arab Emirates and tested positive on day 3.
The ministry said Auckland DHB has assured New Zealanders that the city's hospitals have robust protocols in place to care for people with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 to protect other patients, visitors and staff.
Hospitals in Auckland were safe to visit, it said.
The ministry also said one previously reported case had now recovered.
The total number of active cases in New Zealand is now 67 and the total number of confirmed cases is 1,966.
Yesterday there were 2,207 Covid-19 tests processed.
Historical cases to date for 2021 will now be included in the daily update, due to an increasing number of people becoming infected and recovering before travelling to New Zealand.
"Our testing may detect residual viral material in people's systems, but it's important to reiterate they are no longer considered to be infectious."
Since January 1, there have been 25 historical cases, out of a total of 156 cases. These historical cases have all been previously reported.
Meanwhile, a new subsidy that kicked in today for workers awaiting a Covid-19 test.
Employers can get $350 to help pay workers waiting for test results if staff cannot work from home.
There were no new cases of the novel coronavirus in New Zealand yesterday.
