133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
8 July 2020
Paul Roberts
By email:
[FYI request #12914 email]
Ref:
H202004412
Dear Paul Roberts
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request on 18 June 2020 under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the
Ministry of Health (the Ministry). I will respond to each of your questions in turn.
“We have some further questions of the 22 reported deaths;
1) How many were diagnosed positive with Covid-19 by symptoms?
Of the 22 reported deaths, five were probable cases. The five cases were classified as probable
cases due to the individuals presenting symptoms and history that were consistent with COVID-19,
despite not having a positive COVID-19 tests. You can find more information about case definition at
the following address:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-
coronavirus/covid-19-resources-health-professionals/case-definition-covid-19-infection .
2) How many were diagnosed positive with Covid-19 by a PCR test?
Of the 22 reported deaths, 17 were confirmed by a PCR test.
3) How many had a serology test for the presence of Covid-19 antibodies?
Based on the information we currently hold at the Ministry, none of the reported deaths had serology
results recorded.
4) How many were tested and diagnosed negative "once" after first testing positive?
None
5) How many were tested and diagnosed negative "twice" after first testing positive?
One case has been recorded, this is the case you referred to in your request for information.
6) How many were tested and diagnosed negative "three or more times" after first testing
positive?
None.
7) Please provide data showing the Median, Upper and Lower Quartiles for the number of
days counted from the first negative test until the patients time of death?
Your request for this information is refused under section 18(g) of the Act, as the information
requested is not held by the Ministry and we have no grounds for believing that it is held by another
agency subject to the act.
8) How many were placed on a Ventilator as apart of treatment?
Two individuals were reported as having been placed on a ventilator as part of their treatment.
I trust this information fulfils your request. You have the right, under section 28 of the Act, to ask the
Ombudsman to review any decisions made in response to your request.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Ministry website.
Yours sincerely
Jane Kelley
Director
COVID-19 Response
