There were 14 cases today. A household contact of a MIQ worker with Omicron has also tested positive for Covid-19. Video / NZ Herald
There are two new cases of Covid-19 in Hastings, linked to fitness classes attended by a person who was Covid positive.
It takes the total number of active cases in the region to four.
The Ministry of Health officially notified one of the cases today and the other will be included in tomorrow's case figures as it missed the daily reporting cut-off.
Both cases are linked to locations of interest previously reported at Tu Step Fitness Class at the Ascende Global Church, Hastings.
A Ministry of Health spokesperson said more than 40 contacts have been identified from the two fitness classes on January 11 and 13 from 5.30 to 7pm, and are in the process of being contacted, told to isolate and get tested.
They said contacts at the location during the specified time should self-isolate, test immediately and on day 5 after they were exposed at this location of interest.
The investigation and genome sequencing to link the positive case that attended the fitness classes to previous cases is still ongoing.
The spokesperson said any additional locations of interest will be published on the Ministry of Health website when they are confirmed.
Hawke's Bay DHB's Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre said the identified cases had been isolating and had appropriate health and welfare supports in place.
"Public health officials are continuing investigations and are in the process of informing any other close contacts to isolate and be tested.
"As standard procedure, any locations of interest, where contacts cannot be contacted directly, will be added to the Ministry of Health's webpage if and when they are confirmed."
Two new cases of Covid-19 in Hastings are linked to fitness classes attended by a person who was Covid positive. Photo / NZME
Across New Zealand there were 24 new Covid cases in the community on Wednesday and 56 new cases detected at the border.
There are 24 people in hospital including two in ICU.
Whole genome sequencing has also linked a border worker's infection to a person who arrived in New Zealand on a flight that landed on January 8.
As of this morning, 84 contacts had been identified in relation to the MIQ border worker and at that stage, 79 had returned negative test results and one household contact has returned a positive result, which was reported on Tuesday.
The ministry said in a statement that the number of contacts could fluctuate as further investigation rules them out.
The Ministry of Health said on Tuesday 13,028 child (paediatric) vaccine first doses were administered to 5- to 11-year-olds throughout New Zealand.
Dr Eyre said it was crucial anyone with cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild, got tested for Covid-19, even if they were vaccinated.
Hastings Health Centre. For booked appointments call 06 281 2644 to book between 8.30am-5pm Monday-Saturday The Doctors Napier. For booked appointments call 0800 837 819 to book between 9am-5pm daily Takapau Health Centre. For booked appointments between Monday-Wednesday and Friday 11.30am-12pm call 06 855 8376 Queen Street Practice Wairoa. For booked appointments daily call 06 838 8333.
For a full list of vaccination clinics www.ourhealthhb.nz or www.bookmyvaccine.nz
