Second woman tests positive for Covid-19 after travelling to Northland

A woman has tested positive for Covid-19 after travelling from Auckland to Northland with a previously reported case.

The woman was taken into police custody on Monday evening after being found at a West Auckland address.

Health authorities has previously contacted the woman, but she had refused to cooperate. 

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield told Breakfast on Tuesday morning she was symptomatic for the virus, and has now tested positive.

"The person is being interviewed and any new locations of interest in Auckland and Northland will be posted on the Ministry of Health website as they become available," the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

"We can also report that 18 contacts have been identified as associated with the first Northland case. Contact tracers have made contact with 17 of these individuals, one of whom is the travelling companion and four who are household contacts.

Of the 18 contacts identified, nine are in Northland, seven are in Auckland, one is in Wellington, and the location of the final contact is yet to be determined.

Dr Ashley Bloomfield confirmed on Tuesday in the 1pm press conference that all 17 contacts of the first Northland case, aside from their associate, have returned a negative Covid-19 result. 

The ministry previously reported 19 contacts, however one of these was a double entry which has since been rectified.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern slammed the woman's actions as "beyond irresponsible". 
 
Following the exposure, Northland District Health Board has stepped up testing and screening at Northland hospitals for visitors and patients.

"Anyone with symptoms should get tested and people in Auckland and Northland should continue checking the Ministry’s website for new locations of interest," the ministry advised.

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Person who travelled with Northland Covid case 'beyond irresponsible' - Ardern

October 11, 2021

DHBs are also encouraging Covid-19 vaccination at general practices, pharmacies, Māori health providers and DHB clinics.

The Northland region remains in Alert Level 3 until 11:59pm Thursday.