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NZDF / Supplied
Defense Force personnel and security are seen inside a managed isolation facility.
A seventh member of the Pakistan cricket team tested positive for Covid-19, one of four new cases in controlled isolation.
The figures were released by the Health Ministry around 1 pm on Saturday.
It comes after six team members were reported as positive cases Thursday night.
RNZ
The Pakistan cricket team on tour is being closely watched after six of them tested positive for Covid-19.
The team, which is housed at the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch, was previously criticized by Director General of Health Dr. Ashley Bloomfield for violating rules within the facility.
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They were seen on CCTV mingling, sharing food and chatting, he said.
The reported violations occurred within the tour group and did not affect other guests on the premises.
Compliance with the rules has “improved significantly” since then, the ministry said.
The seventh case tested positive during routine tests, he said.
“The rest of the team’s day three smear test results, aside from the six that already tested positive, are negative.”
The team will be tested on the sixth day of their stay in managed isolation.
Joseph Johnson / Stuff
The Pakistani cricket team is isolated at the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch, pictured.
Those who tested positive were transferred to quarantine rooms within the facility.
Meanwhile, the decision to grant the team a waiver to train while in managed isolation is still days away.
Before players are allowed to train, a medical official from the Canterbury District Board of Health must be convinced that training is unlikely to transmit the virus, the ministry said.
“This ongoing consideration is expected to last until at least early next week.
ROBERT KITCHEN / Things
Dr. Ashley Bloomfield has previously criticized cricketers for violating MIQ rules. On Saturday, the Ministry of Health thanked the squad for its compliance. (File photo)
“In accordance with customary protocols, the most recent case has been interviewed and close contacts, including those in flight, have been contacted or are in the process of being contacted.”
Any member of the squad identified as close contacts will not meet the exemption requirements, as there is a risk that they could transmit Covid-19 to their teammates, the ministry said.
“Exemptions that allow people to train while in managed isolation are very difficult to obtain and any team that receives such an exemption is in a prime position.
“The ministry today thanks the Pakistani cricket team for their meeting the expectations around managed isolation and their cooperation in investigating the cases.”
Hannah Peters / Getty Images
Three people were transferred to the Jet Park quarantine facility after testing positive upon arrival from the United States.
The other three Covid-19 cases announced on Saturday all came from the United States: two on November 23 and one on November 26.
The first two cases tested positive around the third day of their stay. The third was tested upon arrival, as he had symptoms.
All three have been transferred to Auckland’s quarantine facility, Jet Park.
Meanwhile, 18 close contacts of an Air New Zealand staff member who tested positive for the first time in China have now been identified.
All but one has returned a negative result. Tests are being arranged for the final close contact, the ministry said.
