Gisborne Police Inspector Sam Aberahama (centre) and Hauora Tairāwhiti Medical Officer of Health Dr Os Mansoor (far right) visited four East Coast Checkpoints on the weekend helping roadside staff respond to level 3 changes.
TAIRĀWHITI'S police area commander and the district’s senior public health doctor visited East Coast checkpoints last weekend offering advice for roadside staff managing people coming into the district under Alert Level 3.
Gisborne Police Inspector Sam Aberahama and Hauora Tairāwhiti Medical Officer of Health Dr Osman David Mansoor made the day-long road trip on State Highway 35 visiting roadside checkpoint staff and community members along the way.
Dr Mansoor says the changes in travel restrictions mean it was a good time to reiterate the ways locals and visitors can continue to protect people’s health in the area.
“There are very strict rules around travel and very limited reasons for anyone to be travelling between regions as per the COVID-19 restrictions.
“Without a doubt you must not travel if you have been required to self-isolate/quarantine; are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting a result from a COVID-19 test.
Dr Mansoor says anyone returning to the district is asked to be careful of their own health and the health of those who live here.
“Tairāwhiti has done incredibly well to keep the number of cases so low, so we now have no active cases in the region. Let’s keep it that way.”
“We ask that if you have anyone joining your bubble that you keep a careful watch for any sign of illness from that person for 14 days.”
“If you or anyone else in your bubble has any symptoms of a respiratory illness such as coughing, sore throat, sniffles, fever, loss of smell or taste, or shortness of breath, then please seek advice from your GP. There is no cost for COVID-19 related consults or testing.
If someone were to subsequently test positive for COVID-19 public health staff will contact anyone else who may have been exposed to the virus through a process called contact tracing.
Dr Mansoor encouraged community leaders at Uawa, Ruatoria, Te Araroa and Wharekahika to remind people moving through those areas to remain within their small home and work bubbles, help prevent the spread of illness and get tested if they have symptoms.
When Dr Mansoor met with Coast community leaders he emphasised that early detection and public health follow-up were key to ensuring COVID-19 didn’t take hold in the community.
Meanwhile, the district’s mobile testing has now stopped but the Gisborne-based War Memorial Theatre Assessment Centre is still open for walk-ins for anyone who is experiencing respiratory illness symptoms and would like to be tested for COVID-19.
The centre is open 9-11am for essential service workers and 1-3pm for the general public. Weekend hours are 1pm-4pm. Testing is also still available in Te Karaka and at Te Puia Springs Hospital - call first.
Dr Mansoor reminded the public that it is not recommended for someone who is well, and returning to work, to be tested.
More information on travel restrictions under Alert Level 3 (opens new website).