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First Omicron case detected in New Zealand

Media release

16 December 2021

Whole genome sequencing has detected New Zealand’s first case of the Omicron variant in a recent international arrival who tested positive in a day 0/1 test at a Christchurch managed isolation facility.

The case arrived in Auckland from Germany via Dubai on December 10 and flew to an MIQ in Christchurch on an aircraft chartered for international arrivals.

After testing positive, they were moved from the Crowne Plaza Managed Isolation facility to the Sudima Christchurch Airport dual-use Managed Isolation and Quarantine facility.

The case is fully vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said that while the arrival of a new variant is concerning, New Zealand is well placed to manage Omicron cases.

‘We knew it would be a case of when, not if, Omicron arrived on New Zealand’s shores – our health and MIQ teams around the country have been planning for it.

‘With a strong border, we are prepared to detect Omicron cases in international arrivals and manage them appropriately.

‘Whole genome sequencing on every COVID-19 case detected at the border remains a critical element in our defence against COVID-19.

‘We know how rapidly Omicron has spread globally, so it’s been important to make sure every border case detected undergoes urgent genome sequencing.

‘We have been doing everything we can to prepare for Omicron and to keep it out of the community since the variant was first identified.

‘Our vaccine rollout remains our key defence against all variants of COVID-19, including Omicron. With 90% of the eligible population now double-dosed, and the booster programme underway, New Zealanders are well protected. We want vaccinations to continue increasing and ask everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.’

Meanwhile at 22 College Ave....

Luke arrives on Friday afternoon with the patched-beak. The tui looks like it never had an accident. We try to hang it but , in spite of the fact I have two containers of random screws, we don't have the right ones to hold the sculpture in the plaster. With regret, Tui goes back in the box carefully stored in a corner of my room.

It's party time for tradies and others involved with the build. Two turn up....Pete who did the plaster coving, roses and arch and Hannah with the blue hair with her boyfriend. John shows up unexpectedly, as usual, Anjie drops in, and Robyn is early. So we have a celebration over bubbles. I'm in a good space, a little disappointed at the turn out but not unexpected this long after the build and so close to Christmas. Later my mates turn up and we party. It's Christmas after all. Tony brings his cocktail kit. People who don't usually come, come...we drink, we have fun, and when we're drunk enough we dance. Till late. Happily.

Next morning I get up and find it's afternoon. I've finally finished enough stuff to sleep in. Sleep ins, the luxury of time. John goes off to buy shorts which stand up on their own. Gordon arrives, it's a post party hangout. Cool air and sea water wake me up in time to go to Alice in Wonderland for a movie, French Dispatch, and get the giggles. Late falling asleep dinner. Nothing to do but relax. Forever since I've been able to do that.

John stays on Sunday and stakes plants, removing and clearing leaves of the lancewoods along the north fence. It's two years since he tied them before the scaffolding went up. A full circle. We turn the armchairs towards the street and sit like grandma and grandad over the verandah out to the street. Because we're in our 60's not our 90's we drink wine. I'll deal with a hangover at school when I get there.

As it turns out the rain starts on Monday. And doesn't stop till Wednesday night. A constant flow, it comes down for three days, but the sand at the beach is warm underfoot and the water cool but not cold. Reminds me All Summer in a Day, Ray Bradbury's short story about life on Mars where it rains for seven years, stops for an hour, then begins for another seven years. I struggle with three days, the consistency is unusual. Finally on Wednesday water collects in the back yard and rises on the streets round us. A pocket of us have had an increased flooding vulnerability payout. I think mine was $28,000. At the time we laughed as we couldn't imagine a flood and didn't know what to do with the money. Our payouts were slightly different and seemed arbitrary. Today it's real and Brenchley Ave is tempting enough for the kids to get kayaks out. The car parked outside my house brings people to the door to tell me it's in danger of inundation. It's not mine, probably a school kid's parents', and we congregate on the street to compare notes. The rain has eased but the water won't recede till after high tide. That's 10pm. Looks like we'll make it.

And I'll make it till the end of the school year though the wheels are starting to fall off with the kids and staff have had enough too. Roll on December 17th, the last day any school in New Zealand, primary or secondary, will be open.