NZ

Coronavirus: Three new COVID-19 cases in New Zealand

The latest infections bring New Zealand's confirmed case total to 1169. There are 13 active infections in the country. No cases of community transmission have been detected.

A record number of tests were processed on Wednesday - 10,436 - bringing the overall test total to 368,432.

'Bula Bubble' touted by Fiji PM

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said Fiji was working on a "Bula Bubble", between his country, New Zealand and Australia.

Upon arrival, travellers would have to spend 14 days in Fiji government quarantine facilities and then be required to pass a Covid-19 test to enter the general public.

This would be at their own cost or that of their respective government.

No new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand for ninth straight day - Health Ministry

In a statement released this afternoon, the Ministry of Health said there were no new cases for the ninth straight day.

The total number of confirmed cases remains at 1154. The combined total of confirmed and probable cases is 1504.

There have been no further deaths.

After a week of no new cases, the number of active cases dropped to one on Friday.

There were 2111 tests carried out yesterday, and 280,983 have now been processed in total.

     

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NZ health chief says Pacific bubble risks could be managed

There are calls across the region for travel to be reinstated, possibly before a trans-Tasman bubble with Australia.

Ashley Bloomfield said the Ministry of Health hadn't yet been asked for advice about an arrangement.

"My own view is that the risks can be managed well, especially if we've got countries that have got good testing in place and we know that they haven't got any cases and the arrangements can be put in place for travel to and fro," Dr Bloomfield said.

Professional sport allowed under Alert Level Two

But just when Super rugby or netball's ANZ premiership returns is unknown as the government will decide on Monday whether the country will shift from level three to two.

Under level two rules though spectators will not be allowed at games.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed there will be a New Zealand Super Rugby competition involving the five franchises and it will be played over ten weeks, two games each weekend and 20 matches in total.

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said in the best case scenario the competition would start in June.

Covid-19: State Of Emergency declared in New Zealand

Government officials have given an update on the the Covid-19 national response, the latest health update, border issues and an essential services update.

Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said there were now 205 confirmed and probably cases, and there had been a total of 9780 tests undertaken so far.

Eight people who arrived in Auckland airport yesterday tested positive for Covid-19.

NZ virus case may mean ban on Pacific flights, government told

There are fears the coronavirus could spell a repeat of an epidemic of measles that spread from New Zealand to Samoa, where it has killed 83 people and made nearly 6000 ill since October.

Samoa's Ministry of Health has already confirmed that two Samoan sailors are in quarantine for 14 days at the Faleolo District Hospital amid fears they might be carrying China's coronavirus.

Samoa has stopped direct flights from China to reduce the risk of introducing the coronavirus.

Lineup announced for 'I Love Samoa' benefit concerts in NZ

The 'I Love Samoa 2020' concerts will take place in Auckland, Wellington and Australia's Gold Coast from the end of the month.

The concerts will include Ardijah, Annie Crummer, Sammy Johnson, Lole and traditional powerhouses Punialava'a.

Hip hop stars Savage and Swiss will also perform as well as other Pasifika stars.

Organiser Danny 'Brotha D' Leaosavai'i told 531pi the response from the musicians had been heart-warming.

"They're all donating their time and their talents for this.

Samoan seasonal worker denies rape and strangulation charges

According to New Zealand media reports, Melota Metuala has elected trial by jury on the two charges.

Police allege the incident took place in Blenheim on September 14. 

Metuala, who was working in Marlborough on the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, faces charges of sexual violation and intentionally impeding the breathing of his victim by applying pressure to her throat and neck.

His appearance at the Blenheim District Court was excused on Monday, as he had previously been granted electronically monitored bail to an Auckland address.

Pacific migrant workers can now access measles vaccine in New Zealand

The Ministry of Health has amended laws barring non-residents from accessing vaccinations in a bid to curb the spread of measles among workers, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) said on Friday. It comes as the death toll from a measles epidemic in Samoa - currently at 79 - continues to rise.

The changes will mostly affect Samoans in or travelling to New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, which enables around 13,000 Pacific workers to visit New Zealand each year on temporary work permits.