Source: Covid-19 New Zealand Government Announcements
There are now a total of eight cases with the Omicron variant isolating in MIQ facilities, none have been in the community.
Whole genome sequencing for two other passengers on the international flight with New Zealand’s first Omicron case has confirmed they have the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Two additional cases we are announcing today arrived on separate flights from Singapore.
One case travelled on a flight from Singapore to Auckland on 13 December and the second case was on a flight from Singapore to Christchurch on 15 December.
Of the eight Omicron cases, two are in a bubble but the other six cases are unrelated to each other suggesting no cross-contamination or cross-infection either in-flight or within MIQ facilities.
Whole genome sequencing is being carried out on all new border cases of COVID-19 to rapidly identify any new cases of the Omicron variant.
As a precautionary interim measure, all passengers on flights with Omicron cases are required to complete all ten days at a managed isolation facility – rather than spending the last three days of their isolation period in self-isolation.
Health and MIQ teams around the country have been planning for Omicron cases at the border and will continue to manage all arrivals cautiously.
We are well placed to manage Omicron cases with isolation and testing requirements for all new arrivals, robust infection and prevention control and PPE measures at airports and MIQ facilities, and frequent surveillance testing of staff who have any contact with recent international returnees.
