There are no new Covid-19 community cases to report today and two new Covid-19 border-related cases to report in managed isolation.
The two new cases both arrived on separate flights from India, via the United Arab Emirates, on March 28 and 29 respectively.
The first arrival returned a positive test on day one of routine testing, and the second on day zero routine testing.
They are both in Auckland managed isolation/quarantine.
10 people have recovered since yesterday, meaning the total number of cases is 72 - all in managed isolation.
Meanwhile, officials are continuing their investigation into the Day 12 case at the Grand Mercure managed isolation facility in Auckland continues.
"The total number of returnees in this group, who required additional monitoring after leaving the hotel, reduced by one yesterday to 343 because a person has left the country. Health authorities at this person’s destination country have been notified," the Ministry said.
"Of these 343 returnees, 340 have been contacted. Negative tests have been returned for all but 12 people. One of these 12 people has refused a test, with appropriate management and advice being provided by public health staff. We are continuing to monitor the 11 outstanding results."
It comes after another day of zero cases reported in the community and two border-related cases - in managed isolation - yesterday.
Yesterday's new cases tested positive around their day 1 round of testing, the Ministry of Health said.
Officials said they travelled to New Zealand together and were on a flight from India, via United Arab Emirates, that arrived on Saturday (March 27).
The flight is also the same one as the 10 positive cases reported the day before.
"They have been moved to the Auckland quarantine facility."
The statement said the recent positive cases do not necessarily indicate an issue with pre-departure testing; since people may not have been infectious at the time of pre-departure testing.
"They may have been incubating the virus at the time or be exposed to the virus after being tested."
The ministry also acknowledged that it did not consider the recent cases from India "entirely unexpected," given the country is currently reporting the highest number of daily Covid-19 cases worldwide.
"These cases again underscore the value of having the day 0/1 testing in place.
"All people arriving into New Zealand must remain in their rooms until those day 0/1 test results come back."
Today's results come as Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins put on a brave face for the cameras when he received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in front of media this morning.
Swapping the usual suit jacket for a white "Unite against Covid-19" T-shirt, the minister gave a somewhat nervous laugh after being asked to roll up his sleeve.
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