A potential positive COVID-19 case was reported as staying at Green Lake Hut on the night of Saturday, December 4, 2021.
DOC was alerted by the Ministry of Health of a location of interest for a potential positive COVID-19 case on Monday, December 6, 2021.
The affected person was in a party of five who stayed in Green Lake Hut, Fiordland between Saturday, December 4 from 7pm and Sunday, December 5, from 8am.
Green Lake Hut is a remote backcountry hut in southern Fiordland and is not bookable, but available on a first in first served basis. The hut sleeps 12, but because it does not go through a booking system, it is not known how many people accessed the hut during the period of interest.
DOC will follow Ministry of Health guidance on whether the hut needs to be deep cleaned or closed. At this stage it remains open.
There is no DOC staff member positioned at the hut. It is not known whether the affected person was vaccinated, nor where they come from. They are considered low risk.
Anyone who was at Green Lake Hut, or a contact of someone who was there on Saturday night, needs to follow public health guidelines.
DOC is still working towards December 15, 2021 compulsory double-vaccination requirement for people to use DOC accommodation.
The Ministry of Health is the lead agency for COVID-19. DOC recommends following their guidance.