
A likely historical case of Covid-19 has been detected in the Cook Islands, after the man passed through managed isolation in Auckland.
According to a press release from Te Marae Ora Cook Islands Ministry of Health, the man arrived in Auckland from Egypt on May 5.
He tested positive for Covid-19 on his first day test, and the case was deemed historical.
The man, who is asymptomatic, has been in Rarotonga since May 21. He required a Covid-19 test to return to Egypt, and requested one on June 5. The test came back positive.
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The man, his wife, son, and nine close contacts were all tested between 1am and 6am on Sunday morning, and self-isolated while the tests were processed.
The man has returned another positive result, while his wife, son and close contacts have returned negative results.
Secretary of Health Bob Williams said Te Marae Ora staff were taking the matter seriously, and had acted with urgency on Saturday night.
Our systems have been tested and have worked, and I am confident with the results. Indications are that the positive test has reacted to an historical infection of Covid-19. Overseas, people have been known to continue testing positive for the virus for some considerable time after they have recovered from it and are no longer infectious.
The Cook Islands Police are presently investigating the matter in relation to the information the man provided in his arrival health declaration form.
The Cook Islands remains at alert level 1.