The second case of COVID-19 is confirmed in a New Zealand citizen. The woman in her 30s recently returned to Auckland from northern Italy.
The results of the test were formally reported to the Ministry at about 6pm on Tuesday evening.
At that point, health authorities began notifying the woman and her family and started the process of contact tracing.
Although we have our second case of COVID-19, with continued vigilance the chance of widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low.
The woman confirmed with COVID-19 is in self-isolation in her home with appropriate clinical support from public health and district health board staff. Self-isolation at home is recognised by the World Health Organization as an appropriate response for people with mild to moderate symptoms. She doesn’t require hospital level care.
The woman’s immediate household contacts are with her in self-isolation as a precautionary measure. The woman’s partner has also displayed symptoms and is being tested.
Public health officials last night began tracing the woman’s other close and casual contacts to ensure appropriate protection measures are in place.
The flight on which the woman returned to New Zealand was from Singapore to Auckland.
25 February – NZ0283 Singapore to Auckland
In addition to proactive tracing of close contacts on this flight by public health staff, contact will be made with everyone on the flight to provide relevant information. A reminder: close contacts are people who were in the same row of seats, the two rows in front and the two rows behind. Anyone who was on this flight and is concerned or would like information should contact the Healthline number
