Queenstown border well-protected against COVID-19
Queenstown border well-protected against COVID-19
The South is another step closer to a secure international border in Queenstown as second dose clinics kick in this week. The border is also monitored by Public Health South which provides a health presence at the airport to meet every international flight.
Vaccination clinics are open in Queenstown over the next two weeks to provide border workers, their family contacts and frontline health workers with a second COVID-19 vaccine dose. Eligible people who missed their first vaccine will also be able to book in.
Planning is underway to open regular clinics from the beginning of June for Group 3 vaccinations.
The Ministry of Health requires a health presence for every incoming international flight, this is provided by a team of 15 from Public Health South. Prior to the border opening on 19 April, Health Protection and Infection Prevention and Control teams held a full day of training. The training covered border requirements and infection, prevention, and control protocols. Staff also received orientation around airport processes.
Lakes District Hospital is also playing an important role in protecting the community. All patients and visitors to the hospital are screened for COVID-19 and will be encouraged to use the COVID-19 contact tracer app on arrival. The hospital team is also working closely with the Emergency Management team at the DHB for managing patients if they present to the Emergency Department with COVID-19 symptoms.
“The teams have done a fantastic job since the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble. Working together across hospitals and primary care is really positive as it builds connections and creates opportunities for joined up responses, should they be required,” Southern DHB Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Incident Controller Hamish Brown said.
Brown extended his thanks to partners across the Southern health system, including WellSouth, general practices, the pharmacy sector, Māori health providers, rural hospitals, aged residential care providers in helping achieve these successes.
Media enquiries: SDHB Communications, communications@southerndhb.govt.nz.
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