Kia ora tātau
There is one new case to report in Tairāwhiti today. This is for a household contact of other cases and has been in isolation.
- Typing has come back on one case which confirms that we have the Omicron variant in the community. Further typing is under way but as most cases are linked to the Sound Splash event it is expected most of the rest are also the Omicron variant.
- Boosters: Minister Chris Hipkins announced today that the interval between a person’s primary vaccination course and the booster dose (i.e. dose two to the booster dose) has been reduced from 4 months to 3 months starting this Friday 4 February.
- Clinics will be open as per the schedule here https://bit.ly/3o38iZP to cater for the expected extra demand for vaccination.
- Supported Isolation and Quarantine is in use with 4 units in operation.
- Locations of Interest will be updated on our website here: https://bit.ly/3L2urkV There are no new Locations of Interest today.
TESTING DRIVE THROUGH IS MOVING
From tomorrow, Thursday 3 February, at 9am the testing drive through will be located at Watson Park with access from Marine Parade. The venue will be well signposted. Testing will be from 9am to 1pm daily at that site. PCR tests only.
This change is to prepare for increased testing numbers as the virus spreads in our community, and to be ready for Phases 2 (manage) and 3 (living with it) of the New Zealand response to Omicron.
These changes will see the increased use of Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) as part of the testing regimen, and reduced use of the current Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing.
Having a testing site with easier access and more space will improve responsiveness. It will also enable drive through and collect for home testing, or supported on site testing options for people.
A drive through site is also being planned for Kaiti. Options for coastal and rural communities are also under development.
The schematic below summarises the testing regimen at the three phases.
Special thanks to the Gisborne District Council for making this venue available.
Testing
If you or your whānau have cold or flu symptoms, sore throat, cough, or gastro symptoms like diarrhoea to please get tested.
Testing is available this week at:
Watson Park Marine Parade: 9am-1pm
Your GP. Please ring first to book a time
Te Puia Hospital: 10am-12midday (By appointment following phone Triage: call (06) 864 6803)
Vaccinations and Boosters:
Most important of all is getting vaccinated. Find out where you can get a vaccination/booster done here:- https://bit.ly/3o38iZP
Mask:
Lastly, please wear you mask whenever you are outside your home bubble. This means everywhere – especially at work and in social settings.
Now is the time to prevent the spread of virus in our community and keep down the rise of cases.