Fishermen who arrived in New Zealand infected with the coronavirus

The news could jeopardize New Zealand's efforts to restart fishing, an important economic branch for the country

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Military officials arrive at a hotel in Christchurch where infected fishermen are quarantined, Photo: AP
Military officials arrive at a hotel in Christchurch where infected fishermen are quarantined, Photo: AP
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

Health authorities announced today that 11 fishermen who arrived in New Zealand on chartered planes have been infected with the coronavirus and that 14 more cases are being investigated.

It was not stated where the infected fishermen arrived, although in recent days several planes from Russia and Ukraine have arrived in New Zealand with workers who should be members of the crews of fishing boats because there was no interest in that work among the local population.

The news could jeopardize New Zealand's efforts to restart fishing, an important economic branch for the country.

The crew members have been quarantined at a Christchurch hotel since they arrived, and during routine examinations, they were found to have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said.

Seafood New Zealand chief executive Jeremy Helson said all the men had tested negative before flying to New Zealand.

"While we wait to see how many are infected, the fact that everyone has been detected in quarantine shows that the system is working well," Helson said.

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