SDHB COVID-19 Daily Update 09 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. This service is available from 8am – 8pm daily.  

• 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.  

Southern Heros to support health workers 
An initiative led by Business South in collaboration with the Wanaka, Queenstown and Southland Chambers of Commerce, and Volunteer South to support southern health care workers as we respond to rapidly increasing COVID-19 case numbers in the community during the current Omicron outbreak has been taken up by numerous businesses throughout the Southern district.    

The Southern Heros initiative is designed as a mechanism for local businesses and communities to donate their time to support the Southern DHB and other health providers in the Southern district with non-clinical, non-contacts tasks.  

Southern Heroes helpers may be called on to fulfil a range of jobs, such as deliveries of food and supplies, supporting DHB staff childcare facilities, and manning call centres. Tasks will be allocated in line with helpers’ skills and abilities, and in some cases subject to appropriate security checks. 

Businesses and community groups interested in becoming part of the Southern Heroes network can sign up online now. Individuals can volunteer their time through Volunteer South.   

Together we can all help each other to stay safe, healthy and supported in our communities. 

Reduction in isolation period 
As of 11.59 pm Friday 11 March the isolation period for COVID-19 cases and household contacts will reduce from 10 days to 7 days.  

Household contacts will need to have a rapid antigen test (RAT) on day 3 and day 7. If they become symptomatic during their 7-day isolation period, they will need an immediate RAT. If a household contact does not get any symptoms, they will need to return a negative rapid antigen test on day 7 at the end of their 7-day isolation period. If the household contact becomes a case, they will then start their 7 days of isolation as a case. 

If you are a household contact you can request RATs on behalf of all members of your household.  You can request RATs here. There are now 48 collection sites across the Southern district. 

To register your COVID-19 test result visit here or call 0800 222 478, press option 3, between 8am – 8pm daily.  

Family and whānau support – does your family have a plan?  
If a member of your family gets diagnosed with COVID-19, are you ready and prepared to isolate at home for 10 days or more? If a vulnerable member of your family needs in-home support and due to staff sickness there isn't anyone available to care for them, do you have a plan in place to support them for a few days?  

Now is the time to have these discussions with your family, whānau, friends and support networks. Don't wait till you or someone you care about is unwell or requiring immediate support. Talk with your community, support workers, family and neighbours now.  

Together we can all help each other to stay safe, healthy and supported in our communities. 

For more information about preparing and staying safe please visit the Unite against COVID-19 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 well fare support such as help getting groceries, please call 0800 512 337. 

Hospitalisation figures 

Please note that hospitalisation data does not differentiate between patients admitted because of COVID-19 infection versus those admitted for a separate reason who happen to also have COVID-19. 

The Ministry of Health total figures for Southern for the previous 24 hours are: 

• 835 new positive cases  

• 10323 total cases (last 90 days)  

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 use of RATs and system lag issues there may be a discrepancy in the number of total active cases from the territorial authority breakdown. 

A decision has been made nationally that areas with less than 5 new cases per 24-hour period will be reported as “<5”. All territorial authorities with less than 100 cases will have their case numbers rounded to the nearest 5. We are unable to supply further information. Please contact the Ministry of Health directly for more information about these decisions.  

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