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The Health Ministry is expected to provide an update on the latest Covid-19 case in the Auckland community in a statement at 1pm.
On Thursday it was revealed that an AUT University student, who lives and works in the CBD, tested positive for the virus.
LAWRENCE SMITH / Things
People queuing to get tested for Covid-19 on Friday morning.
This led public health personnel to open more testing centers and because they had visited various locations in Auckland’s CBD while potentially infectious, some visitors were warned to get tested regardless of whether they had any symptoms.
The woman was revealed to live alone in Vincent Residences, a downtown apartment block next to the Grand Millennium managed isolation hotel that houses returnees serving their mandatory 14-day period.
Lawrence Smith / Stuff
Chris Hipkins has plans to make masks mandatory on public transport in Auckland and on domestic flights across the country.
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Although residents were advised to isolate themselves and receive advice on how to get tested immediately, even if they were asymptomatic, many were seen coming and going on Friday morning before health officials intervened, with additional security measures.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed Friday afternoon that genome testing had directly linked the student to a Defense Forces worker who spent time in places close to where she worked.
“The new case has been genomically linked directly to the defense worker at Jet Park,” Hipkins said.
He said there would be an increase in testing over the weekend and “next weeks” to provide security.
Hipkins also said he would bring a public health order to Cabinet on Monday calling for face coverings to be mandatory on public transport in Auckland, including domestic flights across the country.
JASON DORDAY / Things
People queuing up High St in Auckland’s CBD to get tested at the Ellen Melville Center on Freyberg Pl.
The alert level in Auckland and the rest of the country will remain at level 1, he said.
Public Health Director Dr. Caroline McElnay also announced four new cases of the virus on Friday.
RICKY WILSON / Stuff
The country remains at alert level 1, Chris Hipkins said Friday.
One was a newcomer from the Philippines who arrived on October 31. They had tested positive for routine tests on the 12th and had been transferred to Jet Park.
The other three cases were determined to be historical and classified as recovered.
