New Zealand is sending a medical team and supplies to Niue to help it respond to new cases of COVID-19, following the opening of its border to quarantine-free travel last week.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Defence Minister Peeni Henare have announced a Medical Assistance Team will head to Niue on a NZ Defence Force Hercules tomorrow, after the Niue government requested New Zealand support.
The first quarantine-free passenger flight from New Zealand arrived in Niue on 27th June, and positive cases were detected the following day as part of mandatory day-one testing for the passengers.
Minister Mahuta says, “in line with our shared planning for a response, a public health physician from the Polynesian Health Corridors programme and a laboratory technician from Pacific Pathology Training Centre are travelling to Niue today.”
Minister Henare says, “tomorrow, a New Zealand Medical Assistance Team of doctors, nurses and logistics personnel will be deployed on the NZDF Hercules to support the Niuean health system. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and additional rapid antigen tests are also being supplied to supplement Niue’s existing stores.”