SDHB COVID-19 Daily Update 24 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.  

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.  

The situation in Southern 
At 11.59pm Friday 25 March a new simplified traffic light system is being introduced as a result of falling numbers across the whole of New Zealand. This fall in numbers is primarily being driven by the Auckland region having reached its Omicron peak. The South Island, including the Southern district has not reached its Omicron peak yet.  

Modelling predicts that we may still not have reached our peak in the Southern district and there is the potential that our case numbers could continue at around current levels for a short while yet. 

The Southern Health system wants to highlight to the public that now is not the time to get complacent regarding public health measures. It is more important than ever to continue to wear a mask in public, follow good hand hygiene, practice physical distancing and, if feeling sick, get tested and isolate at home until you receive a negative test result.  

If you haven't yet gone to get your booster dose, now is the time to get it. Don't be complacent. Even though restrictions are being loosened, COVID-19 and Omicron are still very real viruses. The best way to protect yourself and your whānau is to get vaccinated and boosted.  

Communities throughout the Southern district have pulled together in our collective effort to protect our families, communities and loved ones from COVID-19. We still have vulnerable people in our communities who could suffer adverse effects because of COVID-19 infection. When you are out and about in our beautiful district please think of these people and wear a mask and stay home if you have symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19 or are a household contact of a positive case. By continuing to work together we can all continue to protect our most vulnerable.  

Any media outlet interested in interviewing a member of the Southern DHB COVID-19 response team to discuss the situation in the Southern region please contact the communications team. Southern DHB leadership are very willing to discuss the specific situation in the Southern region.

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: 

• 1459 new positive cases  

• 8448 (not recovered from last 7 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 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.  

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