New Zealand Confirms First Covid-19 Case, Flew In From Iran & Stopped Over At Bali
Over the past week, countries like Austria and Switzerland have reported their first cases of Covid-19. Closer to Singapore, South Korea continues to see a surge in the number of infected patients.
On Friday (28 Feb), New Zealand confirmed their first Covid-19 case.
The infected patient reportedly lives in Auckland and arrived from Iran on Wednesday (26 Feb).
Transited in Bali before landing in New Zealand
According to New Zealand broadcaster RNZ, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Friday (28 Feb) afternoon that New Zealand has received its first Covid-19 case.
The patient is a New Zealander in his 60s and flew in from Iran where there has been a spike in Covid-19 cases. Currently, Iran has recorded 245 Covid-19 cases and 26 deaths.
He also made a transit stop in Bali, before flying home to New Zealand.
Currently resting at the hospital
Fortunately, the patient took a private car home after landing, following “all of the steps you would hope would be followed”, according to the Ministry of Health.
Medical staff are now treating the patient in Auckland City Hospital.
Thankfully, the patient’s condition is already improving steadily.
New Zealand official says risks of widespread infection are low
While the growing presence of the virus worldwide may cause us to feel anxious, the situation in New Zealand is apparently under control and there is no need to worry.
According to Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield, the chances of a serious Covid-19 outbreak in the country is small.
He assures that officials are already conducting contact tracing and are tracking down those on the same flight that he took.
A mandatory 14-day self-quarantine will be issued to those sitting within 2 rows of the patient.
They will also need to report their health condition to the authorities daily to ensure no stones are left unturned.
Concerned passengers can contact a helpline
Passengers who took Emirates EK450 to Auckland on Wednesday (26 Feb) can call 0800 358 5433 if they are worried.
Apart from a Covid-19 hotline, New Zealand previously introduced travel restrictions to China and had added Iran to the list.
With the measures put in place to minimise the spread of the virus, we have no doubts that New Zealand will win the battle against Covid-19.
Featured image adapted from RNZ.
