National Advisory Update for COVID-19 - 17 March 2020 17 Mar 2020

This is to notify you that there is has been confirmation to the Ministry of Health of three new COVID-19 cases over the 24 hours through to midday 17 March 2020.

This is to notify you that there is has been confirmation to the Ministry of Health of three new COVID-19 cases over the 24 hours through to midday 17 March 2020.

Cases #9 and #10: Both cases are family members recently returned from the USA. They were made aware that someone on their flight was a confirmed case in Brisbane, Australia. They subsequently phoned ahead to Wellington ED on Sunday and were confirmed on Monday. They are now self-isolating at home in Wellington. Contact tracing for the flights and other close contacts is currently underway, being managed by the local public health unit.

Case number #11: This individual recently returned from Germany. They became unwell on Friday 13 March and were tested Tuesday 17 March by a GP in Dunedin, after phoning ahead. The test was confirmed on the same day, Tuesday 17 March.  The individual has been self-isolating since becoming unwell on Friday. Two close contacts, family members, have also developed symptoms and are self-isolating. Further contact tracing is currently underway by the local public health unit.

This is an information/advisory only. No action is required other than to distribute as described.