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New Zealand
Media release
From:
Key Points
We identify and report on the earliest cluster of SARS-CoV-2 infection occurring in New Zealand so far reported.
Case investigation suggests that this cluster of six was active in the New Zealand community at the end of February 2020, prior to any previously documented local case of COVID-19.
The identification of this cluster provides evidence that undetected local transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was occurring in New Zealand from at least late February 2020.
The identification of this cluster supports the action taken by the New Zealand government to implement a lockdown in March 2020 as well as the benefits of following public health advice for those with any influenza like illness as effective strategies in reducing transmission to the point of elimination.
This case investigation supports international evidence that SARS-CoV-2 genetic material can be detected on a nasopharyngeal PCR test for at least six months after initial COVID-19 infection, and that this is not necessarily indicative of infectivity.
Summary
In August 2020, a male in his 60s with flu-like symptoms was tested for COVID-19 in line with New Zealand’s testing guidelines at the time. The individual returned a weak positive result. Further investigation concluded the individual was an historical case of COVID-19 and was not considered infectious. His COVID-19 illness dated back to late February 2020, with the source of infection identified as an unwell family member who had travelled to New Zealand from the Lombardy region in Italy, approximately one week earlier. Further investigation confirmed historical infection for an additional five members of the man’s household also dating back to February 2020. The identification of this cluster of individuals with historical COVID-19 infection provides evidence that undetected local transmission of COVID-19 was occurring in the New Zealand community from late February 2020. The identification of this cluster supports the lockdown action taken in New Zealand in March and the benefits of following public health advice (stay home, wash your hands, cough and sneeze into your elbow) when you are unwell as effective strategies in reducing transmission of the virus.
