There are no cases of COVID-19 to report in the community in New Zealand today.
There is one case of COVID-19 to report in recent returnees in managed isolation facilities since the Ministry's update yesterday.
The number of active cases in New Zealand is 41.
Since 1 January 2021, there have been 83 historical cases, out of a total of 592 cases.
The seven-day rolling average of new cases detected at the border is three.
Our total number of confirmed cases is 2,408.
New border cases in New Zealand
| Arrival date |
From |
Via |
Positive test day/reason |
Managed isolation/ quarantine location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 July |
Russia |
United Arab Emirates |
Day 0 / routine |
Auckland |
Update on the two mariners
The first whole genome sequencing result shows the first of two mariners currently off the coast of Taranaki has the Delta variant of COVID-19. This sequencing also shows this infection is not linked to any other cases in New Zealand.
An All of Government response has been set up, led by Customs. Health is working closely with the All of Government response, border agencies, port authorities and the shipping company to address the health needs of crew members and to determine the next steps for the vessel.
It is not yet clear which port the ship will return to. On their return to New Zealand, 15 of the 20 crew members disembarking (including the two COVID-19 positive mariners) are expected to go into a managed isolation and quarantine facility.
This will likely be a facility at the port they return to. There are no managed isolation or quarantine facilities in New Plymouth so at this stage it is considered unlikely they will return to Port Taranaki. New Zealand Customs and other agencies are working on the operational details of the boat's return.
Health officials continue to regard this situation as low risk to public health due to the infection prevention control process in place. There remains no associated locations of interest.
Health has also been advised that a second foreign owned fishing vessel operating from New Zealand has contacted authorities and declared that a number of crew have reported flu like symptoms and the vessel has requested to dock in New Zealand. The ship will undergo the usual pratique declarations and the situation assessed by the local public health unit.
