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Two people who tested positive for Covid-19 after leaving MIQ in Auckland are being treated as having “confirmed current infections”.
Now, the Government is awaiting the results of the “critical” tests scheduled for Thursday and Friday, to determine the risk that these new cases represent for the country.
The cases completed their managed isolation at the same facility as the Northland case and at the same time. The couple had returned two negative tests each during their time at MIQ.
Robert Kitchin / Things
Results from genome sequencing will help determine the risk posed by new cases, says Chief Health Officer Dr. Ashley Bloomfield.
“While we still cannot categorically rule out that they are considered historical infections, the test results so far indicate that the two people may have contracted Covid-19 towards the end of their stay in controlled isolation,” said the Director General of Health, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, in a statement Wednesday night.
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“It is too early to come to a firm conclusion. Genome sequencing results, expected [Thursday], and the serology results expected the next day will help develop the image further, ”he said.
George Block / Stuff
Two other people who were staying at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland’s CBD tested positive for Covid-19.
“As a precaution, we are now responding as if they were current confirmed infections.”
The Ministry has released a list of the sites the two cases visited since they were released from MIQ on January 15.
It includes supermarkets, restaurants, shops and pharmacies, mainly on Auckland’s north shore.
“So far there is no evidence to suggest community transmission.” – Dr. Ashley Bloomfield
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 was important that the right people were isolated and tested to ensure that testing centers weren’t overwhelmed, Bloomfield said.
“We understand that many will be anxious, but it is important to remember that we are taking these steps as a precaution.
ROBERT KITCHEN / Things
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, left, and Chief Health Officer Dr. Ashley Bloomfield at a briefing at the Beehive.
“So far there is no evidence to suggest community transmission.”
The two new cases were initially classified as under investigation, after tests came back positive and further investigation is expected to see if the infections were recent or historical.
They returned a second positive test with a higher CT value, leading to them being treated as confirmed cases, the Health Ministry said Wednesday night.
A third person in the family bubble tested negative.
David White / Stuff
Hundreds of former Pullman Hotel guests have been asked to isolate themselves and get tested.
On Wednesday night, the two family members who tested positive were transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility.
They had been residing in North Auckland since they completed their quarantine earlier this month.
Work is underway to determine the family’s movements since leaving MIQ, as well as close and casual contacts.
A deep clean is underway at the Auckland Pullman hotel, where the two new cases were housed, as well as the Northland community case, with tighter movement limits and other restrictions in place.
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Professor Michael Baker was awarded a New Years honor for his work during the pandemic.
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 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.”
Caroline Williams / Stuff
A Covid-19 testing station in the parking lot outside North Harbor Stadium in Albany.
Evidence continues after Northland case
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.
Earlier on Wednesday, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said 255 former Pullman guests had 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, Bloomfield said.
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 leaving controlled isolation, after 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.
