131 new cases for Q'town, 20 for Central

There are 627 new Covid-19 cases in the Southern region today – 131 of them in the Queenstown-Lakes area and 20, in Central Otago.

It’s brings the total number of active cases in the South to 6824 – 1226 of them in the Queenstown-Lakes area and 165, in Central Otago.

In Dunedin, one person with the virus has died today.

The Southern District Health Board says the person was in an aged residential care facility receiving palliative care. 

“There were pre-existing medical conditions which contributed to this death and as such, it would be inaccurate to report that this person died as a direct result of Covid-19 infection,” a statement says.

Across the region, five people are in hospital with the virus.

Current cases as of 11.59pm 3 March 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.  Due to the increased used use of RATs and system lag issues there may be a discrepancy in the number of total active cases from the territorial authority break down breakdown. 

The SDHB continues to ask people who test positive for Covid to manage their symptoms at home, and to ask for help from family members or housemates to do so.

“If you or a member of your household tests positive for Covid-19 you will need to isolate for at least 10 days while you recover. Start counting your 10 days from day 0. Day 0 is the day that you got tested,” a statement says.

People should only get tested if they are symptomatic or a household contact of a positive case, leaving busy testing centres for people who need them, the SDHB says.

Anyone who tests positive using a rapid antigen test must self-report this on their My Covid Record.

“Call 0800 222 478, option 3, if you need any support to do this.”

Things to know:

• Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website.
• RATs can be ordered free online here.
• 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.