Latest! Coronavirus: Both suspected cases in New Zealand test negative

The Ministry of Health has released test results for two New Zealanders showing coronavirus symptoms.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed that one of the two people in New Zealand showing signs of coronavirus had tested negative for the virus.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield has just told reporters that there are no newly confirmed coronavirus cases in New Zealand.

The six people in quarantine at Whangaparaoa remain well.

However, Bloomfield said the Ministry of Health expected sporadic cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand.

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So far, 155 tests have been carried out in New Zealand, with one returning a positive result. A further 31 tests are currently under way.

Bloomfield said officials were strengthening New Zealand's border response by increasing the number of medical staff at airports.

Dr Michelle Balm, clinical lead for infection services at Capital & Coast DHB, said all DHBs across New Zealand had been ready to respond to Covid-19 for several weeks.

She said there were no cases in the Wellington region, so the DHB had been focusing on early detection. Patients presenting to hospital or their GP with suspected coronavirus would have their risk assessed based on their symptoms and where they had travelled.

She said that, despite circulating rumours, Covid-19 testing was not being rationed, and hundreds of tests could be carried out each day.

“Nobody wants to miss the region's first Covid-19 case, so we will manage this proactively as needed,” she said.

Balm said: “If you are concerned you have Covid-19, it is best not to contact the emergency department or your primary care provider beforehand; that is a good idea.”

She encouraged anyone who suspected they had contracted the virus to call Healthline first.

Balm said testing was likely to produce a false negative if a patient had no symptoms.

Original article: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12313294