Those who visited came from at least 25 countries. The majority of cases came from the United Kingdom, including nine from the UK not further defined, six from England and one from Scotland. Three were from Ireland but it was not further defined whether it was Northern Ireland or not.
All cases were transferred to an isolation facility upon detection unless they were deemed historical or non-infectious, Ministry of Health surveillance and insights Covid-19 health system response acting group manager Kristin Kalla said.
Most of the cases tested positive during their early days at MIQ.
Eighteen of the 65 cases returned a positive test on day three, followed by 14 on day zero/one and 13 were isolated before detection. Eight tested positive on day 12, two on day six/seven and 10 on other days.
The three Rotorua facilities were established around June 2020, during the transition period where management of the facilities was being transferred from the Ministry of Health to MBIE, the latter starting on July 13, 2020.
Earlier this week, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced a raft of changes to New Zealand's border restrictions.
All self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travellers entering New Zealand were abolished at midnight on Wednesday.
"That means that all Kiwis coming home and tourists entering the country will be able to step off the plane and immediately connect with family and friends and enjoy all New Zealand has to offer," Hipkins said.
"Travellers will still be required to have a negative pre-departure test, and undertake two rapid antigen tests on arrival and at day 5/6. If anyone returns a positive result they will be required to report it and isolate for the same period as a community case."
The Government also brought forward step 2, meaning Kiwis from the rest of the world could return from midnight last night.
Cabinet would review the timings of the remaining steps in the coming weeks, Hipkins said.
