Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health
There continue to be no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand.
While the World Health Organization reports there are just under 47,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, only two of 1369 confirmed deaths have occurred outside mainland China.
The number of passengers arriving directly to New Zealand from mainland China has decreased from approximately 2000 per day to 500 passengers or less.
The Ministry of Health is continuing to work with border agencies to ensure people who left mainland China after 2 February 2020 are aware of the need to self-isolate for 14 days and register with Healthline.
The growing number of registrations with Healthline is encouraging. 585 registrations for self-isolation were made yesterday and as at midnight 13 February just over 3000 people have registered since the register went live at 5pm on Friday 7 February.
Healthline’s dedicated COVID-19 number, 0800 358 5453, is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Ministry is encouraging anyone who has not yet registered as a result of their travel to China, to do so. This will help ensure we can regularly check on people’s welfare and wellbeing while they are in self-isolation, while supporting New Zealand’s overall response to novel coronavirus.
In addition, the Ministry is also working with Customs to enable Healthline to proactively contact all people who have arrived in New Zealand from or via China since February 2 who have not registered.
With regard to cruise ship travel, the Master or ship’s doctor must tell the local public health staff if there is anyone on board with symptoms of concern. This includes symptoms of COVID-19.
There are well established procedures in place which enable health agencies to share information on cases and contacts within New Zealand and with health authorities overseas.
A reminder that COVID-19 is spread by people coughing or sneezing, close personal contact and coming into contact with an object or surface with viral particles on it (then touching your mouth, nose or eyes).
So practicing good hygiene, regularly washing your hands, and practicing good cough etiquette (maintaining distance, covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and washing hands) is really important in keeping yourself and the community safe.
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