Trace amounts of Covid-19 have been found in wastewater in Rotorua.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed the result in a statement released this afternoon.

'Wastewater testing continues to be a part of New Zealand's testing and surveillance strategy in the fight against Covid-19,” says an MOH spokesperson.

'Recently, weak positive results have been detected in Wellington, Christchurch, Rotorua and Queenstown.

'The Ministry's assessment of these results is that there is a low risk to the New Zealand community.

'As per usual process, subsequent testing has been undertaken from which Queenstown and Wellington have returned negative results.”

Further testing in Christchurch and Rotorua is underway.
The Ministry's current assessment remains that the weak positive results are likely from recent positive cases in managed isolation or due to recently recovered cases who are not infectious but continue to shed the virus after returning home or while travelling.

There is no risk of infection from Covid-19 in wastewater, says Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

'Wastewater testing serves as an early warning system in the fight against Covid-19, as it does in many other countries.

'When wastewater testing returns weak positives, it's essential that anyone in these areas with symptoms consistent with Covid-19 stay at home and promptly call Healthline (0800 358 5453) about getting a test.

'Any cases of Covid-19 need to be detected quickly in order to stop the virus spreading in our communities.

'This is especially important as we head into winter, as people may have the usual winter coughs and colds.”

Ashley says everyone in New Zealand should also continue to use the NZ Covid Tracer app with Bluetooth turned on to keep a record of their movements so they can be recalled quickly if needed by contact tracers.
'Also please keep up the hygiene measures that are critical to stopping the spread of the virus – wear a face covering on public transport, wash your hands, and cough or sneeze into your elbow.”

There is currently 24 active cases of Covid in New Zealand.