Covid-19 Update: One new case linked to Auckland community cluster, a worker at KFC Botany
Hi neighbours,
Here's a vital Covid-19 update: A person who works at KFC in Botany Downs is the latest community case of Covid-19 in Auckland.
Kendall Hutt:
The community case, announced today, is a household contact of the cases announced on Tuesday.
Three new community cases were announced on Tuesday, connected to a south Auckland family who had previously tested positive for the virus.
The Ministry of Health said the new case, Case L, works at KFC in Botany Downs, which is now considered a new location of interest.
They last worked there between Monday, February 22 at 3.30pm and 12.30am on Tuesday, February 23.
The ministry said 11 KFC staff who worked at the same time as the case were considered close plus contacts.
They should get a test on Saturday and are required to isolate for 14 days, along with their household contacts.
People who entered the store, on Ti Rakau Dr, between 3.30pm on Monday and 12.30am on Tuesday are considered close contacts and should isolate at home until March 8.
The ministry said these people should also get tested on Saturday and then again at day 12.
People who went through the drive-through between 3.30pm on Monday and 12.30pm on Tuesday are considered casual plus contacts and should isolate at home until a negative day five test comes back.
These people should also get a test on Saturday and remain isolated until they get their test results back.
All contacts should call Healthline, the ministry said.
Two new locations of interest connected to one of the cases were released by the ministry on Thursday night.
Both on Great South Rd in Papatoetoe, the two new locations are Choice Food Bar and Li’l Abners Takeaway.
Viyush Grover, manager at Choice Food Bar, said the shop would be undergoing a deep clean “for sure”.
The owner of Li’l Abners said three workers were self-isolating, but it was otherwise open for business.
On Thursday it was also revealed a private house viewing was held at the home of cases I, J and K, on Saturday, February 20, before they tested positive.
The viewing lasted half an hour, and was attended by three people.
Kmart Botany and Dark Vapes in East Tāmaki have previously been announced as locations of interest, with one of the cases working at Kmart.
Customers at Kmart – at least 1236 people – and those at Dark Vapes had been reclassified as close contacts, while staff at both stores were now regarded as ‘close plus’ contacts.
The new cases sparked the reclosure of Papatoetoe High School, requiring all students and staff be retested, and forcing all households connected to the school into a lockdown of sorts.
As of Thursday morning, 1100 students and staff had been tested.
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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42.8% I avoid spending money on coffee
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41.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
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16.1% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.6% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
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