25 June 2021
The Ministry of Health can confirm the whole genome sequencing of the Australian tourist who visited Wellington is the
Delta variant of COVID-19.
New South Wales health officials have this evening confirmed an epidemiological link and we were awaiting confirmation
of the completion of whole genome sequencing.
Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay says the confirmation reinforces we are taking the right approach with our
precautionary actions to ensure COVID-19 stays out of the community.
“The signs so far are encouraging – testing has ramped up and there have not been any community cases at this point.
“But I want to emphasise the importance of staying vigilant, stay home if unwell and get advice about having a test,
wash hands regularly, cough and sneeze into the elbow, wear masks or face coverings on all public transport, and keep
track of where you’ve been – scan QR codes wherever you go and turn on Bluetooth tracing in the app dashboard.
“It’s incredibly important people keep up to date with the Ministry’s locations of interest in Wellington and if you’ve been at one, to continue to isolate either for the full 14 days and get at least two
negative test results or to isolate until a negative day five test, depending on your situation.”