In-Flight Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Confirmed

Since the first wave of COVID-19 in March 2020, citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand have been required to undergo managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) for 14 days and mandatory testing for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, stated the U.S. CDC Synopsis, Volume 27, Number 3—March 2021.

As of October 20, 2020, of 62,698 arrivals, testing persons in MIQ identified 215 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among 86 passengers on a flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that arrived in New Zealand on September 29, test results were positive for 7 persons in MIQ. These researchers analyzed information about their journeys, disease progression, and virus genomic data to assess possible points of virus infection.

All seven SARS-CoV-2 genomes were genetically identical, except for a single mutation in 1 sample. Despite pre-departure testing, multiple instances of in-flight SARS-CoV-2 transmission are likely.

'Although not definitive, these findings underscore the value of considering all international passengers arriving in New Zealand as being potentially infected with SARS-CoV-2, even if pre-departure testing was undertaken, social distancing and spacing were followed, and personal protective equipment was used in-flight,' conclude this early release report, issued on January 5, 2021.