Covid-19: Tests confirm two new community cases in Auckland

Two more cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the community in Auckland after urgent tests by the Ministry of Health.

Test results so far indicate that the two people may have contracted Covid-19 towards the end of their stay in controlled isolation, after returning two negative tests each during their stay, said Health Director-General Dr. Ashley Bloomfield.

“It is too early to reach a firm conclusion,” said Dr. Bloomfield.

“The genome sequencing results, which are expected tomorrow, and the serology results expected the next day, will help further develop the picture.”

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The Ministry has also published a list of the sites the two cases visited since they were released from MIQ.

It includes supermarkets, restaurants, shops and pharmacies largely on Auckland’s North Shore.

Bloomfield urged anyone who had visited those sites after the two cases to get tested. It included those who felt they might also be experiencing symptoms.

“It’s important that the right people isolate themselves and get tested, so we don’t overwhelm the testing centers,” said Bloomfield.

“We understand that many will be anxious, but it is important to remember that we are taking these steps as a precaution.

“So far there is no evidence to suggest community transmission, but we need the right people to isolate us and get tested.”

The two returnees were initially classified as under investigation after testing positive and pending further investigation to determine whether the infections were recent or historical.

But after further testing, they returned a second positive test with a higher CT value and were subsequently confirmed as positive cases.

The two family members who tested positive are in the process of being transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility.

The couple were staying at the Pullman Hotel in the CBD, the same facility where the Northland community case was isolated, and have since been released.

After news of the case broke out on Sunday, the 353 people who were in the Pullman at the same time as the affected woman were asked to self-isolate and get tested for Covid-19.

They had given weak positive test results and were at home in isolation, the Health Ministry said Wednesday night.

The people were asymptomatic and had previously tested two negative tests, the ministry said.

“As a precautionary measure, Public Health personnel are verifying details with people about their movements since they came out of administered isolation to identify close and casual contacts if contact tracing is required.”

Meanwhile, Countdown said in a statement that its Ōrewa store had been closed for a deep cleaning.

“We were informed early tonight about a probable new community case of Covid-19 and that this person was likely to visit our store,” the statement read.

“We took the precaution of closing our Ōrewa store early tonight while this was being confirmed and retiring the team.”

It was later confirmed that the store was not visited by the possible case, but management decided that they “preferred to be safe than sorry.”

Added to the speculation was the sight of what appeared to be a new mobile Covid testing station in the parking lot of Albany’s North Harbor Stadium.

Upcoming ‘critical’ tests, says expert

University of Otago epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said the next batch of tests was “critical” in determining what kind of risk positive cases posed to the community.

So far, PCR tests have been performed in the two cases, which Baker says shouldn’t be the only test officials based their response on. PCR tests can be very sensitive and detect ancient genetic material of the virus, resulting in positive results months after an infection.

Instead, Baker said genomic sequencing and serological testing, which is likely to happen overnight, would give a more complete picture of the broader risk posed by these cases.

“At this stage, it is too early to make a firm conclusion and further testing will further develop the image,” Baker said.

“They are getting it wrong on the precautionary side and while it is concerning to people … it shows that we have very capable laboratory scientists and a very responsive ministry.”

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said Wednesday that 255 former Pullman guests tested negative and there were more tests pending.

Two other people had weak positive results. One was a landmark case and the other turned out to be negative, said Chief Health Officer Dr. Ashley Bloomfield.

Stuff has solicited comments from Hipkins and Health Minister Andrew Little.

The Northland community case also tested positive after two negative tests in isolation administered at the Pullman.

The 56-year-old completed her 14-day stay at the hotel after a trip to Europe. It is believed that he worked in Spain before seeing his family in Holland.

Health officials said she tested positive 11 days after coming out of controlled isolation, following a vacation in Northland with her husband, where the couple visited, and scanned, various cafes, shops and museums.

Originally, 16 close contacts of the woman were identified, but Bloomfield said Wednesday that only 11 people were “genuine” close contacts.

All 16 have been tested and returned negative.

The 11 “genuine” close contacts are isolated.