Delta variant reaches New Zealand
Authorities in New Zealand say nine crew aboard a quarantined containership are infected with the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
Nine crew members from the 4,363-teu, 2007-built containership Mattina are infected with the Delta variant of the coronavirus and are being quarantined.
Authorities said the vessel arrived at the country’s South Port on Sunday with two mariners initially testing positive.
Seven more subsequently returned positive tests, including the ship’s captain, who is being isolated close to the Mattina in case of emergency.
“Results of whole genome sequencing from nine crew members of the Mattina show they have the Delta variant of Covid-19,” the New Zealand government said.
“All crew who have tested positive will remain quarantined on board the vessel at this time, where they will maintain the minimum functions at the port. They will not have direct contact with any port staff while maintaining these functions.”
