The Southern District Health Board, Ministry of Health and Canterbury District Health Board have issued a combined statement relating COVID-19 cases traced to the World Hereford Conference held in Queenstown this month.

As at 1.30pm yesterday there were 18 confirmed and one probable case around the country linked to the World Hereford Conference.

The statement says this was a significant conference for the rural sector with extensive reach: 400 people from 18 countries attended the event in Queenstown, and a number continued their travel to other parts of New Zealand after it finished

“The first case health authorities were informed about wasn't exhibiting typical symptoms at the time of the conference. He returned to Australia where he subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.”

When alerted to this person having tested positive, the statement says organisers contacted public health officials at Southern and Canterbury District Health Boards (where some of the participants had travelled), and based on current advice regarding contacts, an initial message was sent to attendees on 18th March alerting them to possible contact with a confirmed case.

“Since then, public health units – along with Healthline and the Minstry's newly established contact tracing unit – have been working to contact trace and follow up on cases and contacts.”

Figures through to yesterday have identified 840 close contacts, 583 of whom have been tracked.

“The World Hereford Conference is a clear example of the very real need for action by all of us to help stamp out clusters of COVID-19,” the statement says.

“This action includes health authorities acting swiftly and appropriately to provide initial advice and then actively investigating every case they are notified about. It also means individuals acting responsibly and in line with the clear public health advice. Level 4 gives New Zealand our best chance of breaking the chain of community transmission. This will require all our efforts and the Ministry strongly urges all New Zealanders to play their part.”