NEW Zealand reported its first Omicron XE case at the border, said the Health Ministry in a statement today, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The ministry said a person who travelled from overseas to the country has been confirmed as having the latest variant.

This is the first known detection of Omicron XE in New Zealand, it added.

It said the carrier, who is currently isolating at home, arrived in the country on April 19 and was tested on April 20. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the XE variant.

“XE has been spreading overseas, and its arrival in New Zealand is not unexpected.”

New Zealand reported 7,930 Covid-19 cases, 494 hospitalisations and 19 deaths today.

The ministry said 55 cases have been detected at its border.

New Zealand has reported 875,794 Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

As the country is going through the Anzac long weekend, the ministry has warned people to take health measures to protect themselves from the virus.

“Firstly, be up to date with vaccinations. Secondly, wear a mask. Thirdly, stay home and avoid others if you are unwell.”

New Zealand is currently under its Covid-19 Protection Framework’s orange settings, where there is no limit for gatherings. – Bernama, April 23, 2022.