Health officials are investigating a new community case of Covid 19 in Auckland.

Coronavirus COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, 3D illustration. Close-up view of a corona virus with surface spikesPhoto: 123rf.com

 

In a statement released this afternoon, the Ministry of Health said further updates would be provided once additional information came to hand.

The link between the case and the border or managed isolation is yet to be established.

The Auckland Regional Public Health unit is now undertaking interviews with the case for contact tracing purposes.

The statement urged Aucklanders to exercise social distancing and caution.

“While we collect more specific information all New Zealanders are reminded of the basic public health measures of mask wearing and hand washing,” it said.

“In particular anyone in Auckland catching public transport this afternoon or who cannot socially distance in public spaces should wear a mask as a precaution.”

Ministers will meet this afternoon once additional information is gathered to confirm a response. A media update will be provided after that.

“A hard and early response is the best tool to stamp out any potential spread and everyone in New Zealand is asked to stay calm, be kind and play their part while we gather more information on the potential case,” the Ministry said.

No cases in managed isolation

There are no new cases to report from managed isolation at the border.

One previously reported case has recovered since yesterday’s update. The number of active cases in New Zealand is 43.

Since 1 January 2021, there have been 121 historical cases, out of a total of 752 cases. The seven-day rolling average of new cases detected at the border is three.