There are 85 new cases of COVID-19 in Tairāwhiti. This brings our total active cases to 223. One person remains in hospital.
This increase in cases is due to rapid testing starting yesterday and a high number of positive results being received. This shows there is high community transmission. Case numbers are becoming less reliable now due to the introduction of RAT testing.
Anybody could develop symptoms in coming days so please talk about an isolation plan at home, have enough supplies and medication for your whānau to isolate for 10 days. You will also need someone to help you through isolation.
Let’s slow the spread this weekend by keeping on our wearing masks whenever possible, washing hands regularly and keeping our distance from others outside our home bubbles.
Here’s what you need to know this weekend:
• Vaccination and boosters available at War Memorial Theatre and Rugby Park drive-through today from 10am to 2pm.
• Super Shot Sunday is on at Harry Barker reserve and Pak ‘n Save from 10am to 2pm tomorrow. Get your vaccine or booster and spin the wheel and win giveaways like TVs and devices.
• The Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) collection centre at the Salvation Army will be open from 9am to 2pm today (Saturday 26 Feb) and 1pm to 3pm tomorrow. If you have it, please have your NHI number ready to speed up the process.
• Don’t come to the collection centre if you don’t have symptoms.
• Watson Park is also open for PCR nasal swab testing today and tomorrow from 9am-12pm. RATs are not available here.
• If you live on the coast, call Te Puia Hospital for information on how to get tested.