Covid-19: South African variant found in New Zealand

The first person to be infected locally in New Zealand for more than two months has a South African variant of the corona virus, and the spread could occur during his isolation, officials said Monday, Jan. 25.

A 56-year-old woman who had recently returned from Europe underwent a positive test on Saturday, January 23, 10 days after completing two weeks of solitary confinement in solitary confinement. New Zealand’s record in the fight against Govt-19 has been praised abroad, with less than 2,000 cases since the island’s outbreak began. In all, 25 deaths were due to Govt-19 in this country.

The 56-year-old woman is the first person to be infected locally since mid-December, and it could be more contagious because she has the virus. “The strain of infection is a South African variant, and the source of the infection may be another person who has returned.“Overseas, Health Minister Chris Hipkins announced Monday that he was on the same floor as hers during the isolation and tested positive for the woman two days before she was discharged. Visualized several days before positive test.

Two of her relatives, including the husband, later tested negative. Chief Health Officer Ashley Bloomfield estimated that if they were not infected, it could be due to the symptoms the woman was showing. “She was not talking about respiratory symptoms, it was more muscle pain, so she did not spread the virus so much“, he said.

Australia: “Very Concerned”

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt for his part “Very worried“And his government announced a suspension of at least 72 hours, which would allow New Zealanders coming to Australia to be excluded from isolation.”We choose with total caution while waiting to learn more“He told reporters in Canberra.”These changes will take effect immediately.. “

Mr Hunt asked them to reconsider their plans as they plan to take a flight to Australia over the next three days, as they have to adhere to 14 days of isolation from other visitors from abroad.