SDHB COVID-19 Daily Update 15 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 

• 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.  

Hospital staff and services update 

As the number of active cases of Omicron continues to rise in our community, more Southern DHB staff are contracting COVID-19 and having to isolate. Some have COVID-19, some are household contacts and others need to stay home to look after family and whānau who have COVID-19.   

In the coming weeks some services across the Southern DHB may change or scale back to allow staff to be redeployed to areas in the health care system where care cannot be deferred. These areas include services such as cancer care, non-deferrable surgery and diagnostic procedures such as radiology.  

Some services that may see changes include non-urgent surgeries and non-urgent outpatient clinics. 

If you or a member of your family are affected by any changes, you will be contacted directly. If you have not been contacted, please assume that your outpatient appointment or surgery is going ahead.  

“Staff across the Southern DHB are doing a great job to care for patients during a difficult time.” Hamish Brown, Chief Operating Officer for SDHB said. “We apologise in advance to those affected by these changes and remind the Southern community to still seek out medical care if they or a loved one need it.”  

Mr Brown further asked the Southern community to remember that all healthcare staff are doing their best to care for patients and the community during an unprecedented time in New Zealand's history. “It is understandable that some people who visit our hospitals and healthcare providers may feel anxious or frustrated but this is no excuse to take these feeling out on staff. We would ask that everyone be kind and considerate to healthcare staff during this stressful time.” 

Emergency and non-deferrable surgeries and procedures are being given utmost priority, and anyone needing health advice should continue to call their GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116 or dial 111 if it’s an emergency.   

If you or a loved one is experiencing COVID-19 anxiety or stress you can free call or text 1737 to talk with a trained councillor. This is a national service that is run 24 hours a day.  

More information about mental health services that all New Zealanders can access can be found here.

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: 

• 1238 new positive cases  

• 15,547 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 center 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