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A traveller who flew from New Zealand to South Korea is suspected to have contracted Covid-19 while transiting in Singapore, according to a media release by New Zealand's Ministry of Health.
The release said that based on initial investigations, South Korean authorities believe that the traveller was infected during the transit in Changi Airport.
The number of new Covid-19 cases in New Zealand are low
The individual left New Zealand on July 21, and arrived in South Korea on July 22, after transiting through Singapore.
The traveller reportedly had no symptoms, but was diagnosed positive with Covid-19 upon arrival in South Korea.
New Zealand's Ministry of Health did not rule out the possibility that the traveller may have been infected in New Zealand.
"However other causes, including infection in New Zealand, can’t be ruled out at this stage so the Ministry is in close contact with South Korea and is expecting further information from the authorities later today New Zealand time," the ministry said.
This individual was among 41 new cases in South Korea announced on July 24, 13 of which were imported cases.
There were no new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand between July 25 and July 27.
The release also said that it has been 87 days since the last case of Covid-19 was acquired locally in New Zealand from an unknown source.
Transit passengers allowed since June 2
On May 20, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced that overseas travellers will be allowed to transit through Changi Airport from June 2, 2020.
Transit passengers have to remain in designated facilities in the transit area, and airport staff will be required to wear personal protective equipment when interacting with passengers.
Precautionary measures, such as safe distancing and temperature taking for passengers and staff will also be enforced.
Top image via Shankar S./Flickr.