The Ministry of Health has released an update on investigations into cases associated with returnees in a Christchurch isolation facility. 
 
The first case reported was on September 19 – that person had arrived from Delhi on August 27, and had completed 14 days in managed isolation in a facility in Christchurch and had returned two negative tests.

That person then flew, along with others from the managed isolation facility, on a charter flight from Christchurch to Auckland on September 11.

While the Ministry said it cannot be conclusive, it believes this person was likely infected on the charter flight by a person seated behind them, who had also completed 14 days of managed isolation and returned two negative tests.

That person did not have any symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19 on September 23.

Extensive contact tracing has not revealed any other cases associated with the flight or any of the subsequent movements of these two cases, other than their household contacts. 
 
Investigations at the managed isolation facility show that the case reported on September 23 was likely exposed to COVID-19 near the end of their stay in managed isolation and was likely incubating the virus at the time of their day 12 test, which was negative. 
 
The Ministry of Health said while it cannot be certain, its hypothesis is that the virus may have been transmitted to a person (the 23 September result) via the surface of a rubbish bin which was used by another returnee who was likely infectious at the facility (a case from 9 September).

This returnee tested positive on day 12 of their stay in managed isolation, however they were likely infectious a few days before testing positive.

They tested negative on their day 3 test as they were likely still incubating the virus. 

Public health officials and staff at the Christchurch facility have conducted an extensive investigation, including viewing CCTV footage.

A rubbish bin has been identified as a common factor.

This is not dissimilar to the case at the Rydges in Auckland where the Ministry of Health believes a maintenance worker may have picked the virus up from a pressing a button on a lift shortly after someone with COVID-19 used it.  

It goes to show how tricky the virus can be and that it can be transmitted via surfaces. 

The Ministry of Health has now updated its Infection Prevention and Control guidance for facilities so that all bins in public areas will now be no-touch and all rubbish must be securely sealed in plastic bags prior to disposal in the bins.

In conjunction with the team at MBIE responsible for the management of MIFs, Ministry of Health staff are constantly working to improve on already very high standards of hygiene in managed facilities. 

There is a regular audit programme for managed isolation facilities.