SDHB COVID-19 Daily Update 11 April 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 

• If you haven't gone to get your booster vaccination yet, get it now. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build full protection against COVID-19, so the time to act is now. 

• 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.  

Note to media  

Please be aware that the Southern District Health Board communications team is dealing with an unprecedented number of media enquiries, and many of the staff whom we approach to provide detailed responses to your questions are working on the emergency response teams for Omicron. This is, understandably, the priority for them. We will do our best to get media responses back to you in a timely manner. 

South surpasses one million RAT tests distributed  

More than one million Rapid Antigen Tests were distributed to the residents in Southern during March. 

There were 59,174 orders filled via Southern distribution sites, ordered through the Ministry of Health’s RAT requestor. That amounts to 1,097,800 RAT tests provided to people meeting testing criteria in Otago and Southland in just over four weeks. (These numbers do not include tests provided privately by some employers for their own staff or those sold through some retailers.) 

WellSouth Director of Nursing, Wendy Findlay, says Otago and Southland communities have again shown how conscientious they are about staying safe when it comes to COVID-19.  

“The team has done a great deal of work ensuring that RATs are accessible across the region. We have more than 50 collection sites - more than any other district in the country - and options to have the tests delivered to those living remotely,” Wendy says. “This ready-access has been really helpful, but we also know Southerners are keen to do their part to keep our communities safe and that means getting tested to detect the virus.” 

The Government shifted to using RATs rather than PCR tests on 23 February as the COVID-19 virus became prevalent in communities across the country. 

RAT tests continue to be the primary method of testing for COVID-19, with PCR testing available when needed. 

Accessing and Reporting RAT tests 

RATs continue to be available free to anyone with symptoms or who is a household contact of a COVID-19 positive case. RATs can be ordered for collection via https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/. 

Test results should be reported via MyCovidRecord https://mycovidrecord.health.nz/ or by calling 0800 222 478 and choosing option 3 

Hospitalisation figures 

Current hospitalisations as at 8am 11 April 2022  

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: 

• 937 new positive cases  

• 7847 (not recovered from last 7 days)  

Current cases as of 11.59pm 10 April 2022  

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 help accessing COVID-19 testing in the Southern region and to find your nearest testing center please call the WellSouth call center 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.