Covid-19: new positive case is flight attendant who visited Auckland supermarket
Auckland Reporters:
A flight attendant who visited an Auckland supermarket has tested positive for Covid-19.
Fourteen other air crew are being contacted and asked to isolate and re-test, the Ministry of Health said.
It is not ruling out local transmission of the virus in Auckland, but says the risk to the public is low.
The woman who tested positive has been moved to Jet Park quarantine facility.
“The Public Health initial assessment is there is low risk to the public due to Auckland being at Alert Level 3 for the period in which this case was back in New Zealand and were either in isolation or at home for most of that time,” the ministry said in a Sunday evening release.
“There is currently one location of interest – the Auckland Airport Countdown on March 3 between 12.07pm and 1.22pm.”
“Anyone who was at the store at this time is asked to monitor their health for the next 10 days (until March 17)."
Contact tracers are also in the process of tracking down people who were at an unnamed clinic at the same time as the woman during a health appointment on an unspecified date.
“All those attending the same clinic at the same time are being identified and will be contacted and provided specific health advice.”
Genome sequencing results are expected on Tuesday.
The woman's three household family members were tested on Sunday, and they are all negative, the ministry said.
She returned to New Zealand from Japan on February 28, and returned a negative Covid-19 result then, the Health Ministry said.
She returned a subsequent positive test result on Sunday after a swab taken on Saturday as part of routine surveillance testing, the Ministry said.
People who were at the Auckland Airport Countdown on Wednesday between 12.07pm and 1.22pm are not being asked to isolate.
“If they feel unwell or develop symptoms, they should contact Healthline on 0800 358 5454, and get tested and stay at home until a negative test result is received.”
“Testing is available at six community testing centres (CTCs) throughout Auckland as well as at general practices and urgent care clinics.”
“There is currently good capacity in the testing system, and the CTCs in Otara (South Auckland) and Wiri (West Auckland) have additional staff available to meet any increase in demand.”
Testing locations are available on the Auckland Regional Public Health Service website.
The ministry said it would provide a further update on Monday.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
-
81.7% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
-
18.3% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
