Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has identified three bus journeys taken by Case B, the security guard from the Grand Millennium managed isolation facility, later diagnosed with COVID-19.
Passengers who were on these buses at these times are considered to be casual contacts, as the case sat away from others and wore a mask. Casual contacts need to watch for symptoms of COVID-19, and call Healthline on 0800 358 54 53 and get tested if they become unwell.
ARPHS is working with Auckland Transport to alert passengers on these buses who had registered their HOP card with their contact details. There will be a COVID-19 tracer app push notification as well for those who have scanned the QR code on each bus.
Bus journey details
Monday 29 March, bus 25 L, taken between 6:19 and 6:44, from St James, Queen St (Stop 7058) to 1530 Dominion Rd, (Stop 8444)
Saturday 3 April (Easter Saturday), bus 25 L, taken between 17:19 and 17:47, from 1279 Dominion Rd (Stop 8445) to St James, Queen St (Stop 7058)
Sunday 4 April (Easter Sunday), bus 25 L, taken between 17:13 and 17:38, from 1215 Dominion Rd (Stop 8443) to St James Queen St (Stop 7058).
This information is from AT HOP card data and reflects the time the case boarded and disembarked the buses. Extra time has been added on either side of each bus trip on the Ministry of Health Location of Interest page to ensure we reach all potential contacts.
The symptoms of COVID-19 include one or more of the following:
a new or worsening cough fever (at least 38C) shortness of breath a sore throat sneezing and runny nose temporary loss of smell.
Some people may have less typical symptoms such as only: fever, diarrhoea, headache, muscle pain, nausea/vomiting, or confusion/irritability.
Anyone who has shown these symptoms, or who develops them, should free phone Healthline for advice (0800 358 5453) and arrange to get tested.
Further information from Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport is working with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service to establish the bus trip links and trace any other passengers.
Most bus travel in Auckland is paid for via the electronic AT Hop card, which would help any tracing required. Already, around 90.8 per cent of people travelling regularly on public transport use a registered AT HOP card, which is among one of the highest rates in the world.
The card can be used to identify what trips have been taken and where a customer may have ‘topped up’ its balance. Auckland Transport is happy to assist health authorities with any information they require.
To maintain privacy, if AT is required to share information under the Health Act, data will be transmitted by secure file transfer protocol. AT only shares customer details deemed critical to assist with contact tracing such as name, address, phone number and travel details relating to the case.
Face coverings are still mandatory on public transport. Please continue to scan the QR codes and tag on/off using your AT HOP card – this will help AT to support contact tracing requirements should they become necessary. If you forget your face mask, you can purchase them in vending machines at transport facilities and service centres.
AT is continuing to ensure that all public transport is being cleaned throughout its daily service. Buses, trains and ferries are being spot checked, with surfaces being sanitised, and AT has enhanced its cleaning regime to include antimicrobial protection fogging (spraying) of facilities.
If customers need assistance in obtaining or loading an AT HOP card, they can visit a customer service centre, or call 09 355 3553.
