Today the Ministry of Health is reporting one new possible Omicron case in Palmerston North.

The MidCentral District Health Board announced the case this morning.

This case was in a MIQ facility in Christchurch and tested negative on day 9, before being released on 16 January (Sunday), after returning a negative test result on five occasions throughout their stay.

The case became symptomatic yesterday and got tested. They returned a positive Covid-19 test result yesterday evening.

"Urgent whole genome sequencing is underway though, as this case was staying at a MIQ facility at the same time as known Omicron cases, as a prudent measure it is being treated as a Omicron case," says a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

"Investigations are underway to determine the source of infection, including possible in-facility transmission.

"The case is considered to have been infectious from 17 January (Monday) and there are exposure events associated with their movements, including an early childhood centre. Initial locations of interest associated with the individual have been published this morning and more will be added as they are identified."

The case, who has had two doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is now isolating at home with their family, says the MOH.

Information on testing sites in Palmerston North can be found on HealthPoint.

"Our objective is to stamp out the infection and prevent any onward transmission related to this case.

"New Zealand's vaccine rollout remains our key defence against all variants of Covid-19, including Omicron. With 93 per cent of the eligible population now double-dosed and the booster programme underway, New Zealanders are well protected."

Auckland Omicron case update

There are now three confirmed Omicron cases in the Auckland region.

These include a MIQ border worker and their household contact, and a worker at Auckland Airport.

At this stage, one additional contact associated with these cases has tested positive for Covid-19, says the Ministry of Health.

"This case is a household contact of the MIQ worker and was already isolating when they tested positive. Whole genome sequencing is underway, but the assumption is this case has the Omicron variant.

"The highest priority for local Public Health staff relates to contacts who were at the Ara-Tai Café Half Moon Bay at the same time as the worker at Auckland Airport.

"This location of interest is high risk and people that may have visited this location are asked to follow the advice below."

As of this morning, a total of 88 contacts have been identified in relation to the MIQ border worker. At this stage, 84 have returned negative test results and two have returned a positive result.

This includes a positive household contact that was reported earlier this week, and an additional household contact reported today, says the MOH.

"As of this morning, a total of 39 contacts have been identified in relation to the worker at Auckland Airport. At this stage, 13 have returned negative test results.

"Investigations into the source of infection are ongoing."

Omicron update

To date, there have been 440 Omicron Covid-19 cases detected at the border since 1 December, and 32 cases of the Delta variant.