Covid-19: Tauranga early childhood centre linked to suspected Omicron case

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An early childhood centre in Tauranga has been linked to a suspected Omicron case, first reported yesterday.

The Ministry of Health said the case was present at the BestStart Pyes Pa on January 19 and was likely infectious at the time.

All people present at the childhood centre at the time are being treated as close contacts and are being asked to isolate and get tested immediately.

Toi Te Ora Public Health is working with the Ministry of Education to establish a clear view on who was present at the centre on the day and is in the process of contacting those people.

Whole-genome sequencing was still underway today for the two Tauranga cases linked to the Omicron outbreak, a Ministry of Health spokesperson said.

"We will provide an update in tomorrow's 1pm statement if it is completed overnight."

Yesterday, the ministry said the pair were being treated as Omicron cases but sequencing would confirm.

No new cases are being reported in the Bay of Plenty Health Board region today.

There are five new cases of Covid-19 in Rotorua today. Three cases are linked to previously reported cases, and investigations are underway to determine a link for the remaining two.

Locations of interest

Locations of interest announced today include Te Purū Café and Bar Jet Park Hotel Rotorua, Te Ngae Fish supply Ōwhata and Fenton Park Dairy in Rotorua.

Te Purū Café and Bar Jet Park Hotel Rotorua is a high risk location of interest. Anyone at this location between 7.45 and 8.15am on Wednesday January 19 must self-isolate, test immediately and record their visit online or via Healthline.

National case update

There are 23 cases in New Zealand with 6 in hospital, including two in Rotorua Hospital.

There are 15 new cases of Omicron reported today in Auckland, Taranaki, and Nelson Marlborough.

There are several new locations of interest for the region.

Meanwhile, Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall is revealing more details around the government's plans to manage the Omicron outbreak.

Watch live here from 2pm.