Covid-19: Weak positive result in Wellington wastewater testing
The Ministry of Health has confirmed a weak positive Covid-19 result has been found in a wastewater treatment plant in Wellington and is encouraging anyone with symptoms to get tested promptly.
Late on Friday, ESR reported the weak positive result from a Wellington wastewater sample. "A follow-up sample yesterday returned a second weak positive result," the Ministry of Health said in today's Covid update.
ESR undertakes regular wastewater testing across sites in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Rotorua, Hamilton and Queenstown as an additional surveillance tool in the fight against Covid-19.
"Based on our experience, it is most likely that the two weak positive results are due to recently recovered cases continuing to shed the virus," the MoH said.
In recent weeks three recovered cases who live in the Wellington region have left the Auckland quarantine facility. A further historical case left a Wellington managed isolation facility the same day the second sample was taken.
Additionally, it is possible that one or more recently recovered cases from elsewhere could have flown into Wellington, the MoH said.
ESR consider a single recovered person shedding the virus may be detected in wastewater.
"As part of our ongoing precautionary approach, and to help rule out undetected COVID-19 infection, the Ministry is encouraging anyone with symptoms, especially if they are in the Wellington region to get tested promptly."
This advice also applies to recent visitors to the Wellington region. Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with Covid-19 should call Healthline (0800 358 5453) or their doctor, or visit a testing station to get a test.
Further wastewater samples in Wellington are being tested.
There is one new Covid-19 case in a recent returnee in a managed isolation facility and no new cases in the community, since the Ministry’s last update Friday.
This new case arrived on a direct flight from the USA on May 10. They tested positive on day three of routine testing and is now in a managed isolation facility.
The seven-day rolling average of new cases detected at the border is one.
No previously reported cases have recovered meaning the total number of active cases in New Zealand today remains at 19. The total number of confirmed cases is 2,290.
Since 1 January 2021, there have been 60 historical cases, out of a total of 474 cases.
