A remote collection of islands off the coast of New Zealand recorded its first-ever cases of COVID-19 more than two years into the pandemic.
Monique Croon, mayor of the archipelago named Chatham Islands, said two individuals have been diagnosed with COVID-19, with one of them testing positive after spending time away from the islands. Both are isolated and receiving support, according to officials.
“It’s certainly not the best of news, but we have prepared for this,” Croon told the Guardian. “Some people are really worried, and for others, they are prepared and quite comfortable.”
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The Chatham Islands are located about 500 miles away from New Zealand’s mainland and have around 600 permanent residents.
New Zealand has recorded 240,000 cases of COVID-19 and 65 related deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the New Zealand Department of Health. The country saw a minor rise in cases after the omicron variant reached its shores.
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An effort to distribute rapid antigen tests and vaccines is expected on the Chatham Islands this week, and they will be available to all residents. Roughly 56% are fully vaccinated.
