New Zealand reports two new cases of COVID-19, calls for vigilance on school holidays

One person arrived from Ukraine on Sept. 23 via the United Arab Emirates, and the other person arrived in New Zealand from Pakistan via the United Arab Emirates on Sept. 23, according to the Ministry of Health.

They were on the same flight but not travelling together. Both individuals tested positive around the third day of isolation and have been transferred to the Auckland quarantine facility, said a ministry's statement.

There are 18 people isolated in the Auckland quarantine facility from the community, which includes nine people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and their household contacts, it said.

One patient is being treated at the Middlemore hospital, who is in isolation on a general ward.

The ministry asked people to remain vigilant during these school holidays to stop any spread of COVID-19.

"While many people will be enjoying a break over the next two weeks, it's also important to remember that the COVID-19 virus exploits any opportunity to spread," the statement said.
New Zealand's total number of active cases is 55, of whom 29 are imported cases in managed isolation facilities, and 26 are community cases, the ministry said.

The country's total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is 1,479, which is the number reported to the World Health Organization.