116 new cases for Q'town, 25 for Central

A five-metre by eight-metre tent will be erected at the entrance to Dunedin Hospital tonight in a training exercise to prepare for an anticipated further surge in Covid-19 cases in the South.

Local health officials are preparing for the “very real” possibility of disruptions at hospitals and heathcare facilities across the region, as a further 582 positive cases are confirmed today.

It brings the total active cases in the South to 5,550. 

Of today’s new cases, 116 are in the Queenstown-Lakes area and 25, in Central Otago.

It brings the total number of active cases in each of the communities to 996 and 130, respectively.

Across the country, there are 405 people in hospital with the virus (one of these in the Southern region) - 10 of them in intensive care.

Current cases as of 11.59pm, March 1, 2022 (Source SDHB)

 
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. 

In a statement, the Southern District Health board says it’s expecting its health workforce will be stretched as more staff test positive and need to self-isolate.

“We ask our communities to be patient and to follow the instructions of our staff when accessing health care services. 

“If there are service disruptions affected patients will be notified.”

Staff at Dunedin Hospital and St John Ambulance will tonight erect the large tent to the left of the ambulance bay at the hospital entrance to iron out any logistical or health and safety issues.

The tent would be used to manage a surge in patients presenting themselves to Dunedin Hospital.

It will remain onsite for 24 hours and will temporarily restrict vehicles from being able to drive completely around the hospital concourse.

A similar trial will be conducted at Southland Hospital in the coming week.

Meanwhile, the SDHB continues to urge people to plan now to self-isolate or care for vulnerable family members if they test positive for Covid.

“Start these conversations now – before you need to have them.”

People who test positive for Covid, and any whānau or housemates at the same residence, need to isolate for at least 10 days – day zero being the day of testing.

“During this time, unless you are very sick, you will need to self-manage your isolation as much as possible.

“This could mean ordering groceries or food online, asking friends and whānau to drop off any medication you may need on the doorstep, and generally looking after yourself like you would if you had the flu or a cold.”

Things to know:

• 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. This is for everyone, not just people already on a benefit.  
• The best way to access the care and support that you and your household need is by filling out the form in the text message you receive after uploading your positive RAT result into your My Covid Record. Please do not delay filling out the form when you receive the text message.
• If you need help uploading your positive RAT result into My Covid Record, call 0800 222 478.