Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Wellington, New Zealand: a retrospective, observational study

Aims To review the demographic and clinical characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the Greater Wellington Region (GWR). Methods A retrospective, observational study of all 96 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the GWR. The primary outcome was time taken from onset to complete resolution of symptoms. Secondary outcomes were the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of cases. Results The mean (SD) time from symptom onset to complete resolution was 19.1 (1.1) days. The mean (SD) age was 43.1 (16.9). 51% were male. The majority were of European ethnicity (84%), resided in the top five decile neighbourhoods (76%) and had travelled to New Zealand (69%). The mean (SD) time from onset of symptoms to obtaining RT-PCR testing results was 5.3 (0.4) days. The most common symptoms at onset were cough (36%), sore throat (22%) and fatigue (21%); the overall most common symptoms were cough (65%), sore throat (43%), headache (43%) and fatigue (42%); many symptoms were late manifestations. The most common co-morbidity reported was asthma (20%), with no reported exacerbations. The rate of secondary infections within households was 0.05 per primary infection. Conclusion The demography of COVID-19 cases reflected the imported nature of cases. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 was highly variable and there were no particular symptoms that could accurately predict infection.