No COVID-19 cases in Southern district

As of Friday 4 February, there are no COVID-19 cases in the Southern District.

A member of the public returned a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) on Thursday 3 February, but a subsequent PCR test was negative.

“For every 1000 RAT’s used in the community we would expect around 4 false positives,” says Medical Officer of Health, Dr Michael Butchard. “This is what has happened for this member of the public. When prevalence of COVID-19 in the community is low a RAT should always be followed up by a PCR test as these are more accurate.”

The SDHB has been made aware of other rumours circulating in the community and want to assure the public that there are currently no cases in Southern.

“As Omicron spreads throughout New Zealand it is understandable that people in the Southern community will start to hear misinformation about positive cases in their region,” says Dr Butchard. “We want to assure the public that communities will be notified when we have a confirmed positive case. The Ministry of Health and Southern District Health Board are an accurate source of information and will release any information about cases in our communities, or any other relevant information for Southern, when it has been confirmed as true and accurate.”

As of 11.30am this morning, there are 42 contacts isolating throughout the Southern region. This number is expected to increase as the Omicron outbreak in New Zealand grows.

“The best way we can protect our communities is to follow public health guidance,” says Dr Butchard. “Wear a mask, practice social distancing, follow good hand hygiene and get tested if you are sick. Omicron will eventually enter the Southern district, and we want to catch it early when it does.”

If you are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms, please get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result.

For more information about testing and to find your closest testing location please visit the WellSouth website https://wellsouth.nz/community/covid-19/ or call 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719)

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Media enquiries: SDHB Communications communications@southerndhb.govt.nz