The Omicron BA.5 variant of COVID-19 has been detected for the first time in New Zealand. [Image source=Pixabay]
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] The Omicron BA.5 variant of COVID-19 has been detected for the first time in New Zealand.
On the 8th, the New Zealand Ministry of Health announced in a statement that a traveler from South Africa who arrived last month on the 26th was confirmed to be infected with the Omicron BA.5 variant.
The Ministry of Health explained, "A person who entered from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19 on the 1st, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) confirmed infection with the BA.5 variant," adding, "This is the first case of the BA.5 variant detected in New Zealand."
Until now, the Omicron BA.5 variant had only been found in South Africa, Europe, and Australia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated, "We are continuing to monitor the BA.5 variant," and "Vaccines have been shown to be effective against the new subvariants."
The Ministry of Health said, "At this stage, the public health system currently in operation to manage other Omicron variants is also considered appropriate for the BA.4 and BA.5 variants, so no new changes are necessary."
The BA.4 variant, first detected in New Zealand on the 1st, was also introduced by a traveler from South Africa.
The Ministry of Health added, "It may take weeks to months to assess the severity of new variants and subvariants," and stated, "The Ministry will closely examine emerging evidence."
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on the same day via her social media that her spouse, Clarke Gayford, tested positive for COVID-19, and that she will enter self-isolation for one week.
On that day, New Zealand reported 3,647 new community COVID-19 cases, about 1,000 fewer than the previous day. There were 3 deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the total death toll to 860.
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