Two new Covid-19 cases linked to Northland case

Wellington, January 28, 2021

The two new cases of Covid-19 confirmed yesterday (January 27, 2021) are the South African variant and initial results show they are connected to the Northland case at the Pullman Hotel of Auckland.

This morning, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield confirmed to Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins that preliminary genomic sequencing results showed a link.

The pair completed their managed isolation in the same facility and at the same time as the Northland community case.

They left quarantine at the Pullman Hotel on January 15, 2021 and have been living in North Auckland. They will now isolate in the Jet Park quarantine facility.

The Connection

Mr Hipkins said that it is not an exact match but what they call in the same tree and hence it is highly likely that they are connected.

He said that someone with the virus was picked up from the Pullman and taken to the Jet Park Hotel which appears to be the source.

Mr Hipkins said that something happened at the Pullman Hotel to cause the spread.

“We are now trying to work out whether it was something like an interaction in the lift or exercise area. People who visited locations of interest in Auckland or anyone with symptoms, are asked to isolate and call Healthline to arrange a test and remain isolated until they receive their result,” he said.

-Published under a Special Agreement with www.rnz.co.nz