New Zealand PM going into self-isolation after exposure to COVID positive case

Gulf Today Report

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has gone into self-isolation after coming into close contact with a positive COVID-19 case.

"The Prime Minister is asymptomatic and is feeling well. In line with Ministry of Health advice she will be tested immediately tomorrow and will isolate until Tuesday," a spokesperson says.

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Ardern is being deemed a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

The exposure took place on Jan 22 during a flight to Auckland from the town of Kerikeri, the government said in a statement on Saturday, adding that the result of whole genome sequencing was expected the following day.

That would show if the infection was caused by the Omicron variant of coronavirus, it said.

Ardern, who is asymptomatic, is feeling well, the statement added. She will be tested on Sunday and is in isolation in line with the health ministry's directives.

The governor-general and members of her staff, who were also on board the flight, are following the same isolation procedure.