New Zealand Announces First Case Of Omicron XE Variant

The New Zealand Ministry of Health, reports the first case of the Omicron XE variant. (photo: doc. between)

JAKARTA – The development and mutation of the Corona virus continues to occur. Recently, the New Zealand Ministry of Health, on Saturday, April 23, reported the first case of the Omicron XE variant at their country's border.

A person who has just arrived from abroad is confirmed to have the Omicron XE variant from the New Zealand Ministry of Health. This is the first known discovery of the Omicron XE variant in New Zealand.

According to the country's Ministry of Health, the person who is currently self-isolating at home arrived in New Zealand on April 19 and was tested for COVID-19 the next day. Whole-genome sequencing then confirmed the XE variant.

"XE has spread overseas and its presence in New Zealand was unexpected," the Ministry of Health said.

Meanwhile, authorities reported 19 deaths, 7,930 community cases and 494 COVID inpatients as of Saturday, April 23. A total of 55 new cases of COVID were also detected at the New Zealand border.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, New Zealand authorities have recorded 875,794 confirmed cases of COVID-19. As the country goes through the long Anzac weekend, New Zealand's Ministry of Health has warned citizens to apply the COVID-19 health protocols.

"The first has been vaccinated. Second, wear a mask. And third, stay at home and avoid crowds if your body is not healthy," he said.

New Zealand is now in orange status in the COVID-19 Safeguard Framework, where there are no restrictions on gatherings.