Two police staff self-isolating after contact with Covid-19 case in Hawke's Bay
Two police staff who came into contact with a Covid-19 positive man in Hawke's Bay are in self-isolation.
A police spokeswoman confirmed the pair returned negative day one tests.
News broke on Saturday evening of the case, who was permitted to travel out of Auckland and tested positive after arriving in Hawke’s Bay.
A Ministry of Health spokesman said health agencies were “working with police on the circumstances around the person’s departure from Auckland”, and that the person had been relocating from Auckland.
A police spokeswoman confirmed police were working with health authorities but refused to provide any further information at this stage.
The man is now isolating at Kennedy Park Resort in Napier.
Three children at Onekawa Primary School were also isolating, principal Steve Bloor confirmed. But given their negative test results to date, the school was allowed to re-open as usual this morning.
Hawke's Bay District Health Board Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre said investigations continue with the case and identified close contacts.
"The case, from Auckland, was tested before departure for Covid-19 and received results after arriving into the region. This case is not in any way linked to a potential exposure investigated by public health in Central Hawke's Bay last week where the risk was deemed low," Dr Eyre said.
Dr Eyre said the case agreed with public health to go to a community isolation facility (Kennedy Park Resort) last night where their health and welfare needs could be met over the coming days. The case is well supported and is isolated in an appropriate part of the facility which is completely self-contained and there is no further risk to anyone else.
"We are working through all lines of enquiry for due diligence to gather a clearer picture of any exposure risks related to this case. This work is fluid and ongoing but as at 1pm today public health has not identified a location where deep cleaning or closure has been requested.
"However, it is important people continue to monitor the Ministry of Health's locations of interest page as locations will be added should new information came to light as a result of our investigations. The DHB will also actively share this information."
Dr Eyre said anyone feeling unwell with cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild should get tested as a priority even if they are vaccinated.
"Both drive-in and appointment testing is available at various locations in Hawke's Bay today and into next week.
"It is also a reminder to continue to follow strict Level 2 rules of wearing a face mask, practising social distancing and tracking your movements using the Covid-19 tracer app or personal diary.
"Getting vaccinated this weekend also remains the best way to get protected from Covid-19 as you are less likely to fall seriously ill and require hospital care. Anyone aged 12 and over can get a free vaccination at a range of clinics open across the region."
Identified close contacts being tested would remain self-isolating until additional tests were undertaken and managed appropriately under public health guidance.
Full testing and vaccination information is available at www.ourhealthhb.nz
