SDHB COVID-19 Daily Update 23 Feb 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 

• There are high numbers of COVID-19 positive people in Southern particularly in Dunedin and Queenstown. Please be vigilant when out in the community. COVID-19 is widespread, and we all run the risk of being exposed. 
• Lab capacity throughout Southern has eased with the introduction of RATs at community based testing centres. Please be patient and continue to self isolate while you wait for your results. PCR results are currently taking about 2 ½ days to be reported, with the longest wait time being just over 3 days.  
• Please only get tested if you have symptoms or are a close contact or household contact of a confirmed case. We need to ensure those who are symptomatic, or a close contact, get access to testing.  
• 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.  
• 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 if you need any support to do that. 

RAT tests for the Public  

At Community Based Testing Centres, when appropriate rapid antigen tests (RATs) will be provided. The individuals receive instruction on how to use the test, when to use the test and how to report/register the results.  

The move to broader RAT usage makes best use of available resources and ensures we are able to identify as many COVID-19 positive cases as quickly as possible and ensure they isolate and receive appropriate care.   

Please note these sites are not for businesses to access RAT tests for their workforce. 

Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website. 

RAT tests for Critical Workers  

Rapid antigen test (RAT) collection sites across the country, including a number of locations throughout the Southern district, have now been activated. These are collection sites where critical workers eligible to access RAT tests can collect kits after they have been approved to do so by the Ministry of Health.   

At present, Ministry of Health guidance is that tests are accessible to critical care workers performing a critical function at a business. They must be asymptomatic and need to be able to keep working in the event that they are exposed to a COVID-19 positive case. They must also be vaccinated. Workers self-identify themselves to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as critical, and need to take a test to continue working as part of the Close Contact Exemption Scheme. 

Before going to a collection site, eligible workers must place an order via the Rapid Antigen Test Order form on the Ministry of Health website. 

Current collections sites are listed on Southern DHB Rapid Antigen Testing (RATs) for Healthcare and Critical Workers • Healthpoint. In addition to the current list of locations additional sites are likely to be added where qualifying workers can collect RAT tests. Courier delivery is also an option to have tests delivered. 

More information is available from the Ministry of Health. 

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.  

If you are self isolating and require well fare support such as help getting groceries, please call 0800 512 337.  

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. 
 
Please note not all confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Southern district have been confirmed by location as of the publishing of this update. As case numbers grow this is likely to occur more frequently.  
 
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