SDHB COVID-19 Daily Update 08 March 2022

We have implemented this daily COVID-19 media release to update case numbers and inform the media and public of the situation across the Southern region.  

Key Messages 

• Please only get tested if you have symptoms or are a household contact of a confirmed case. We need to ensure those who are symptomatic, or a household contact, get access to testing. 
• If you test positive on a RAT test you do not need to have that confirmed by PCR – you are a case. Please update your My COVID Record with your result. Call 0800 222 478, option 3, if you need any support to do this.  
• If you receive a text notification that you are positive, please do the online survey in the link you receive in the text message as soon as possible. This will ensure you can receive the appropriate care and support when you need it. Please be aware that, after filling in your My COVID Record with your positive RAT result, there can be a 24 hour delay before you receive this text message. 
• Make sure you and your family have a plan to self-isolate or care for vulnerable family members in case this is needed. Start to have these conversations now – before you need to have them.  

Vaccination cold chain failure update 
The Southern DHB vaccination team continues to focus its response to the cold chain failure in the Queenstown-Lakes area on contacting the people affected. If you are affected you will be contacted via text message, email, postal mail, and phone call. All efforts are underway to contact those affected.

If you were vaccinated in the Queenstown-Lakes area between 01 December 2021 and 28 January 2022 this does not necessarily mean that you received an invalid vaccination. You are only affected if you received your vaccination in this time period from the affected provider.  

People who have been identified as being affected by this incident who wish to book their replacement vaccination should call 0800 28 29 26 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) for more information. 

This cold chain failure is an isolated incident and no other providers have been affected.  

An independent investigation into this cold chain failure will take place. Work is underway to complete a terms of reference for this investigation and appoint an independent investigator.  
 
The Ministry of Health total figures for Southern for the previous 24 hours are: 

• 914 new positive cases  
• 9478 active cases  

Please note, the Ministry of Health’s daily reported cases may differ slightly from those reported at a DHB or local public health unit level. This is because of different reporting cut off times and the assignment of cases between regions, for example when a case is tested outside their usual region of residence. Total numbers will always be the formal daily case tally as reported to the WHO.  Due to the increased used use of RATs and system lag issues there may be a discrepancy in the number of total active cases from the territorial authority break down breakdown. 

A decision has been made nationally that areas with less than 5 new cases per 24 hour period will be reported as “<5”. We are unable to supply further information. Please contact the Ministry of Health directly for more information about this decision.  
 
Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website. 
 
If you have any questions about COVID-19, self-isolation, or what you need to do if you test positive, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. 
 
If you are self-isolating and require welfare support such as help getting groceries, please call 0800 512 337. 
 
For information specific to COVID-19 in the Southern region and to find your nearest testing centre please call WellSouth on 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719) 
 
If you have concerns about COVID-19 symptoms, please call your general practice or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 at any time. If you are very unwell or having breathing difficulties, please call 111 immediately.  

Key media contacts 

• For questions about COVID-19 case numbers and vaccination, contact SDHB: communications@southerndhb.govt.nz
• For questions about COVID-19 testing and case monitoring in the community, contact WellSouth: communications@wellsouth.org.nz