Covid 19 coronavirus: four new cases in managed isolation, Air NZ crew member infected abroad

Currently, there are four new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand, all in a controlled manner.

Seventeen previously reported cases have recovered, bringing the total number of active cases in this country to 43.

Meanwhile, genomic sequencing tests confirmed that an Air NZ crew member was infected overseas.

“The same genomic lineage has been reported in the United States,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.

“All three aircrew members who are close contacts of the aircrew member who tested positive have tested negative on day 5.

“A fourth person who is a casual contact was transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility as a precaution after developing symptoms. This person has tested negative and remains in the quarantine facility.”

Today’s four new cases

• Two cases are part of the same family that arrived on December 9 from the Czech Republic via Germany and Singapore. Both people tested positive on day 3 and are now in quarantine at a facility in Christchurch.

• Two cases that traveled together arrived on December 10 from the United States.
Both travelers tested positive around day 3 and are being transferred to a quarantine facility in Christchurch.

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in New Zealand is 1,744, and the total number of processed tests is 1,352,462.

The Covid Tracer app now has 2,409,300 users and there have been 139,351,943 poster scans, with users creating 5,614,164 manual journal entries.

Yesterday there was a new case in managed isolation.

Also yesterday, the government released its “worst-case” plan on how it would respond to another virus outbreak if it occurred during the summer months.

“If we find it, we will remove it and make sure the government Covid-19 team and national support network are ready,” said Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins.

And as many New Zealanders prepare for a “well-deserved” summer vacation, Hipkins put a new Covid-19 twist on a tried-and-tested Kiwi classic.

This summer, you want people to “slip, spill, hit, and scan.”

“After a long and hard year, New Zealanders deserve a summer vacation,” he said.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson also outlined how the government would respond financially if there was a summer outbreak.

This includes another round of wage subsidy payment if New Zealand, or an affected region, moves to level 3 or 4.

Kiwi nurse dies of Covid-19 in an English hospital

A senior Kiwi nurse in the emergency department of a hospital in England died after contracting Covid-19.

New Zealander Barclay Mason had worked at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, a city north of London, for more than 20 years.

Lance McCarthy, CEO of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said he was a caring and valued friend and colleague who was committed to caring for his patients.

It is with great sadness that I confirm the death of Barclay Mason, a member of our ER team, who will be remembered for his commitment to patient care, his kindness, and as a valued friend and colleague to many at Princess Alexandra Hospital. ,” he said.

“Barclay has been a senior charge nurse at the hospital for over 20 years and many colleagues from PAHT and the East of England ambulance service will feel his loss.

“Barclay had recently been treated by the PAHT team for Covid-19.

“Our thoughts are with Barclay’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

Phases of the summer outbreak

Phase 1: Evaluation

Confirmed community case and risk of transmission assessed.

Phase 2: Immediate response

If necessary, the Covid-19 Resurgence Plan of the Ministry of Health and the National Resurgence Response Plan would be activated. The location and extent of the outbreak risk would be assessed.

A central government leadership group would decide whether any further action is required, whether to monitor the situation or activate the response system.

Phrase 3: Sustained response

If the response system is activated, a team from central and local government, iwi, and community leaders work with local Civil Defense and Emergency Management to manage the outbreak, including: immediate public health response care for vulnerable people and communities business support.