Sex workers test negative for COVID-19

Two sex workers who arrived in Blenheim from Auckland have tested negative for COVID-19.

Both women have returned negative COVID-19 test results it has been revealed this afternoon.

A Ministry of Health spokeswoman confirmed the negative results

The pair are due to appear in Blenheim District Court this afternoon after being arrested by police in Blenheim on Tuesday at a local motel following a tip off to police.

They are believed to have been staying at a mid range motel near the town centre.

Neither had any exemption to travel nor had they had a test for Covid-19 before leaving Auckland where case numbers of the Delta variant of the virulent disease continue to rise with 71 new cases today.

They were charged with failing to comply with the current Health Order.

A police spokesperson confirmed the women were charged.

"The women, aged 48 and 49, have both been charged with failing to comply with the Health Order and are due to appear in the Blenheim District Court today," police say.

"Police and the Ministry of Health continue to investigate the women's movements, including when and how they have managed to travel to Blenheim."

All police staff interacting with the women wore full Personal Protective Equipment.

"The six officers who dealt with this woman were initially stood down as a precautionary measure, however following advice from health officials, police have subsequently been advised the staff are not required to isolate," said the spokesperson.

Auckland, Northland and parts of Waikato remain at alert level 3 as cases of Covid-19 continues to be found in the community.

The rest of the country is at level 2.