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A historical case of Covid-19 has been related to the Port of Tauranga.
An alleged historical case of Covid-19 has been found in the port of Tauranga after a member of the crew of a cargo ship arrived at the port over the weekend testing positive.
The Ministry of Health is investigating the alleged historical case of Covid-19 that has been detected in a crew member of the IVS Merlion, a bulk carrier that is currently docked in the Port of Tauranga.
The Health Ministry said that the crew member had returned a weakly positive Covid-19 test, with a high CT value, indicating an old infection.
It seems more likely that this crew member had Covid-19 some time ago and is no longer infectious.
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The IVS Merlion arrived in New Zealand waters on October 15 after leaving Indonesia on September 24.
“This infection had not been transmitted to any other member of the crew; they all tested negative and have been on board the ship for three weeks,” the Health Ministry statement said.
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Dr. Ashley Bloomfield says the infection is from the border and not from the community.
“Also, no crew member has ever made landfall so there is a very low risk of transmission to the New Zealand community.
“As a precautionary measure, the investigated case was isolated and the Covid-19 test was repeated and a blood test was performed.
“The results of these tests will confirm if they are a historical case. All members of the crew are being treated as close contacts until the investigation of the case is completed.
SUPPLIED / Marine traffic.com
The Ministry of Health is investigating an alleged historical case of Covid-19 that has been detected in a crew member of the IVS Merlion that is currently docked in the Port of Tauranga.
“Until this investigation is complete, no member of the crew is allowed to leave the ship. Health personnel and the rest of the port personnel, who had minimal contact with the crew, have been informed and no further action is considered necessary ”.
In a statement, Port of Tauranga CEO Mark Cairns said the risk of transmission was very low.
“We have contacted everyone involved with the ship and the crew has not been ashore.
“All port users follow strict security protocols, including physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment by anyone boarding visiting ships. All associated operational areas of the port and equipment have undergone additional deep cleaning as an additional precaution. “
