Covid-19: One new MIQ case, remaining close contacts of community case all negative
Torika Tokalau
There is one new case of Covid-19 in managed isolation, a week after the most recent community outbreak was announced in Auckland.
The new case arrived in New Zealand from Singapore on February 16 and tested positive after their routine day 3 test. One previously reported case has been reclassified as under investigation, meaning the number of active cases remains at 51.
The Ministry of Health also confirmed all close contacts associated with the Auckland family of three at the centre of the latest community outbreak had returned negative tests.
These include those linked to the school and travel group to New Plymouth.
The last cases detected in the community were on Friday, taking the total linked to the cluster involving a daughter, mother and father, to seven.
Papatoetoe High School
As at 8am on Sunday, a total of 31 close contacts and 1,413 casual plus contacts had been identified at Papatoetoe High School.
Twenty five health professionals were the first in the country to be vaccinated on Friday, before they administered the vaccines.
The number of casual plus contacts has again decreased due to some people not being at school at the time of exposure, the ministry said.
Of the casual plus contacts, that include the wider student and staff school population, 1,395 have returned negative results, with one positive (Case E, who is a classmate of the original case), and 17 results still to come in.
One negative result, reported on Saturday has been removed from the tally as that person is no longer considered a casual plus contact.
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84% Yes
-
14.7% No
-
1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.