28 April 2020

The two people with COVID-19 in the Whanganui District – one who was a confirmed case and one who was a probable case – have both recovered.

As is usual practice, Medical Officer of Health Dr Patrick O’Connor says members of the household bubble will live in self-isolation for a further two weeks (the incubation period for the virus) until he is satisfied no further transmission has been detected in the household.

All other members of the household have thus far tested negative for COVID-19.

“Both people are classified as recovered, which means at least 10 days have passed from the start of symptoms and they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. As yet, we are still unable to establish how COVID-19 came into this household, and it may be that we will never know. It is likely that transmission could have occurred before Alert Level 4 began. The fact this household continues to remain in self-isolation mitigates the chance of community transmission,” says Dr O’Connor.

Dr O’Connor reminds the community that Alert Level 3 is very similar to Alert Level 4 and everyone must be vigilant. 

“Continue to practice physical distancing, stay at home, keep your bubble as small as possible and visit a community based testing centre or ring your GP or Healthline if you are unwell with flu-like symptoms such as  a cough, fever or shortness of breath,” says Dr O’Connor. 

All seven other cases of COVID-19 in the Whanganui District are fully recovered.