BVA603-ThinkandCreate_COVID Updates

 12/08/2020 

10.30-11.20 

Jacinda Ardern says the Government is taking a rapid response to break the chain of transmission. 

Dr Bloomfield reports that the infected family remain in isolation at home.  

After further interviews with the family members, it's been revealed one of the cases - a woman in her 20s - travelled to Rotorua while symptomatic on Saturday. Officials are trying to find out what places were visited. 

 

All people should be vigilant, Dr Bloomfield says, wherever they are in New Zealand. 

Officials are still trying to understand how the family was infected. 

 

None of the workplaces of the infected individuals are customer-facing. There are 130 close contacts across one of the workplaces. All staff members are being treated as close contacts. It is a financial company and has been closed for the time being. 

 

Three colleagues are symptomatic and are in isolation. 

Dr Bloomfield said health sectors are ready to test tens of thousands of people. 

 

Ardern says the new information about one of the contacts' movements shows the need to increase alert levels across the country. 

She wants to see the number of people being tested, but not those without symptoms or who don't work in high-risk workplaces. 

 

Healthline has received thousands of calls since late Tuesday. 

The Prime Minister said people should visit the COVID-19 website rather than calling Healthline unless they need it.