There are 95 new cases to report today. We now have two people in hospital with COVID-19.
If you have symptoms of the flu, please self-isolate until you can get a test. It’s important that we try and slow the spread and avoid a large surge in cases at one time, which would affect our essential services, our schools, emergency services and our hospitals.
Over 4000 Rapid Antigen Tests have been distributed over the past 48 hours. Thank you for your patience while we work through this period of high demand for the tests. Please note the Watson Park testing station is now closed permanently as we move to RAT testing.
We have seen a rise in the number of children who are testing positive for COVID-19. Without vaccination, Omicron can produce severe symptoms in children. We are now sitting at 40.8% for vaccinated 5-11 year olds. Please get your tamariki vaccination as soon as possible.
- The Salvation Army collection centre is open daily from 10am to 2pm for RAT collection. Call Te Puia Hospital for testing information if you live on the coast. Please bring your NHI (patient) number.
- Support is available on site at the Salvation Army for those who aren’t comfortable doing the test themselves
- If you are collecting RATS on behalf of someone, we need their NHI number or name and date of birth. Please understand we cannot give out tests without these details.
- If you are household contact of a positive case, you need to collect RAT tests too for tests on day 3 and day 10.
- RAT tests can be collected on behalf of someone else. You need their NHI numbers or names and dates of birth.
- The minimum age for a RAT test is 6 months old
- Remember, if you test positive from a rapid test, you are classified as positive for COVID-19 and don’t need a follow-up PCR nasal swab. Report your result in your My Covid Record. For support, see https://covid19.health.nz/advice/positive
Where to get vaccinated: https://bit.ly/3o38iZP
Where to get tested: https://bit.ly/3Brsyd8
Have a plan: www.covid19.govt.nz/be-prepared