[Epoch Times December 30, 2021](Epoch Times reporter Liu Qiqing New Zealand compiled a report) The Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of Omicron variant in the community. The Minister of Epidemic Response held an announcement on December 30 (Thursday). Yes, said the government has not considered implementing a lockdown, but because the man was active in the community from December 26 to 27, as many as 100 people may be quarantined.
The first Omicron variant case in the New Zealand community was a British musical artist, known as DJ Dimension, and his real name was Robert. Robert Etheridge, who flew from the UK via Doha on December 16, has been vaccinated.
Earlier, the Ministry of Health had confirmed that the man had been quarantined in a controlled isolation (MIQ) facility for 7 days and self-quarantined for another 3 days. During the MIQ quarantine, three virus tests were performed and all were negative.
A spokesperson for the ministry said that after the case was tested on the 9th day of isolation, he entered the community on his own before receiving the test results, and received a positive result of the Omicron variant on December 27 (Monday). On the same day, he was transferred to the MIQ isolation facility in Oakland.
According to reports, during the two days from December 26th to 27th, the confirmed case, Etheridge, had activities in central Auckland and Waiheke Island. The places he visited included several public places, such as a house. Nightclubs and bars, restaurants and a jewelry store.
At the press conference, Chris. Hipkins (Chris Hipkins) said that due to the activities of the confirmed person in the community, “all close contacts have been required to be isolated”.
At the same time, he said that the current government will not consider implementing a blockade.
“At this point in time, it has not been the time to restore the border,” or withdraw the decision to turn Oakland into a yellow light, the minister said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Ardern had announced that at midnight on December 30, all other red-lighted areas in New Zealand, except for the Northland, will be turned into yellow-lighted areas.
Shipkins said that Etheridge was the last group of people to be quarantined in accordance with the 7+3 principle, but he did not abide by the quarantine rules and went out before receiving the test results.
The minister said that this approach was “disappointing.”
When asked if he was worried that the Omicron variant virus would flow into the community, Shipkins said that the current situation is more optimistic.
“So far, early signs indicate that the risk is likely to be contained,” he said.
The minister revealed that four people on Waiheke Island had been in the same room as Etheridge, and three of them tested negative. People who have been in contact with the confirmed person on other occasions are also required to self-isolate. Health officials will continue their tracking work.
In addition, the minister stated that he did not know whether Etheridge had a vaccine pass or how he got to Waiheke Island.
According to reports, before this, Robert. Etheridge planned to go to the Rhythm and Alps Music Festival near Wanaka on the South Island, but recently announced that he would withdraw from the event.
After learning that he tested positive for Omicron, Etheridge once stated on social media that he was deeply sorry about it.
Editor in charge: Lan Ke
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