Whole genome sequencing has now detected a further four cases of Omicron in recent international arrivals. There are now a total of eight cases with the Omicron variant isolating in MIQ facilities, none have been in the community.
Whole genome sequencing for two other passengers on the international flight with New Zealand’s first Omicron case has confirmed they have the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Two additional cases we are announcing today arrived on separate flights from Singapore.
One case travelled on a flight from Singapore to Auckland on 13 December and the second case was on a flight from Singapore to Christchurch on 15 December.
Of the eight Omicron cases, two are in a bubble but the other six cases are unrelated to each other suggesting no cross-contamination or cross-infection either in-flight or within MIQ facilities.
We are carrying out whole genome sequencing on all new border cases of COVID-19 to rapidly identify any new cases of the Omicron variant.
As a precautionary interim measure, all passengers on flights with Omicron cases are required to complete all ten days at a managed isolation facility – rather than spending the last three days of their isolation period in self-isolation.
Our health and MIQ teams around the country have been planning for Omicron cases at the border and will continue to manage all arrivals cautiously.
We are well placed to manage Omicron cases with isolation and testing requirements for all new arrivals, robust infection and prevention control and PPE measures at airports and MIQ facilities, and frequent surveillance testing of staff who have any contact with recent international returnees.
Please note today’s figures do not cover a full 24 hour period due to the change in reporting times to a midnight-to-midnight cycle from 9am-to-9am.
Today, we are reporting new community cases in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Lakes and Taranaki.
Please note today’s figures do not cover a full 24 hour period due to the change in reporting times to a midnight-to-midnight cycle from 9am-to-9am.
We are continuing to ask anyone in New Zealand with symptoms – no matter how mild – to get tested, even if you’re vaccinated. Please stay at home until you return a negative test result.
Testing and vaccination centre locations nationwide can be found on the Healthpoint website.
Today, there are 25 new cases being reported in Auckland.
Health and welfare providers are now supporting 2,042 people to isolate at home, including 555 cases.
There are 11 new cases being reported in the Bay of Plenty today. Of those eight are in Tauranga and three are in the Western Bay of Plenty. Following initial investigations, the Western Bay of Plenty cases and three of the Tauranga cases appear to be linked to existing cases. Interviews with the remaining cases to determine any possible connections are ongoing.
There are two news cases being reported in the Lakes region today, both are in Rotorua. Both have potential links to existing cases.
There is one new case being reported in Taranaki today. They are linked to the Eltham cluster.
Testing is available today and tomorrow at:
Over the Christmas break there will be regular COVID-19 updates published and tweeted each day apart from: