13 September 2021
Anna McAfee
By email: [FYI request #16384 email]
Dear Anna
Official Information Act Request: Methods and technology used to detect the Delta
Variant
On 11 August 2021 you sent a request for information under the Official Information Act
1982 to the Ministry of Health, who transferred your request to ESR on 16 August 2021.
Your request was as follows:
“Please provide documents pertaining to the exact methods and technology used by New
Zealand laboratories, to detect the Delta Variant of the Covid 19 Virus.”
Our response to your request: The variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the Delta variant, are determined by genome
sequencing. Detailed information on genome sequencing can be found on our website at the
following link:
https://www.esr.cri.nz/our-expertise/covid-19-response/new-news-page/
Your right to seek a review You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
Thank you for your request.
Yours sincerely
Jill Vintiner
Joint General Manager Health and Environment Group - Health
ESR