New Zealand coronavirus: Origin remains mystery

Authorities try to answer host of tricky questions

Almost a week after the discovery of New Zealand’s first locally transmitted coronavirus outbreak in more than three months, its origin remains a mystery.

Here are some details on what authorities have called the ‘Auckland August cluster’.

When and how was it discovered?

The earliest case identified is a man who became ill around July 31 and took a Covid-19 test in Auckland after experiencing symptoms for a few days. The man’s case, along with those of three family members, was made public on August 11.

How did the virus return in the country?

This is the major question still facing authorities, given the international border has been closed since March and and all returning New Zealanders have been forced into mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Authorities said contact tracing and genomic testing found no links to the border entry points or managed quarantine facilities yet.

Health chief Ashley Bloomfield reckons human-to-human transmission is the most likely culprit, with surface transmission “unlikely”

What is New Zealand doing about it?

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has locked down Auckland, and brought back social distancing restrictions more widely for two weeks. She has also delayed a national election due next month.

Testing has been ramped up in the community to record levels Aucklanders and others have been strongly advised to wear masks in public Border testing at airports and ports has increased and quarantine staff are being tested more regularly Contact tracing technology was improved through the government app and businesses were ordered to compulsorily display QR codes.