30 May 2022

Second member of Ardern's US delegation tests positive for Covid-19

9:44 am on 30 May 2022

A second member of the Prime Minister's delegation in the United States has tested positive for Covid-19.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Trade Minister Damien O'Connor, left, in New York at the start of a US trade mission.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Trade Minister Damien O'Connor, left, in New York at the start of a US trade mission. Photo: Pool / Christian Carroll

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade chief executive and secretary Chris Seed had already reported as positive.

The Prime Minister's chief press secretary Andrew Campbell had symptoms and remained in San Francisco when the delegation left. He has since been confirmed as positive for Covid-19 too.

The rest of the delegation, including Jacinda Ardern, are en route to Washington DC where she is due to meet with President Joe Biden on Wednesday morning.

None have symptoms and all returned negative Covid-19 tests before boarding the flight.

The Embassy in Washington DC is in contact with the White House and there have been no changes to the planned meeting with Biden at this stage.