A coronavirus outbreak among hundreds of fishermen flown to New Zealand to bolster its fishing industry has prompted the country's largest daily increase in infections in months, authorities said Wednesday.
A coronavirus outbreak among hundreds of fishermen flown to New Zealand to bolster its fishing industry has prompted the country's largest daily increase in infections in months, authorities said Wednesday.fishermen were flown in from Moscow last week, with 18 of the crew members then testing positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine, New Zealand's director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield said.
The Pacific nation has almost eliminated local transmission of the virus, but regularly records small numbers of new cases in returned travellers. The fishing cluster pushed the daily tally of new infections to 25, the highest level since April, sparking concern among officials inNew Zealand has recorded over 1,500 cases and 25 deaths in a population of almost five million and has been widely praised for its handling of the pandemic.
Health officials said two new cases had also been linked to a port worker, who may have come into contactBroad travel bans remain in place in New Zealand and those granted exemptions - including the fishermen, who were classified as essential workers - are forced to quarantine for 14 days."We cannot afford to be complacent. We are not being complacent at the border," he said.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Zealand confirms 11 cases in Christchurch hotel quarantineA hotel near Christchurch airport is in lockdown as authorities confirm a COVID-19 outbreak among international arrivals.
Read more »
Fishing crews quarantined in New Zealand hotel test positive to coronavirusIn what could be a blow to New Zealand's efforts to restart its fishing industry, which is struggling to find local staff, 11 fishing crew members who flew into the country on chartered planes test positive for coronavirus while in hotel quarantine.
Read more »
Woman charged with New Zealand firefighter's murder in Hunter ValleyA second person is charged with murder over the death of Ian Pullen, a New Zealand firefighter who travelled to the NSW Hunter Valley to assist with firefighting efforts in 2018.
Read more »
Alone in New Zealand, Amanda Palmer finds 'epic poetry' in hard timesThis year ended the musician's tour, delivered heartbreak and taught her patience. Now she reflects upon it all.
Read more »
South Australia joins New Zealand travel bubble following unexpected arrivalsSouth Australia will accept tourists from New Zealand and allow 12 travellers currently held in hotel quarantine out into the community, authorities announce.
Read more »
Victoria records two new cases of coronavirusVictoria has recorded two new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the state's health department says.
Read more »