175 new cases in Q'town, 45 in Central

Health officials are reporting 890 new cases of Covid-19 across the Southern region today, with 175 of them in Queenstown-Lakes and 45, Central Otago.

In Queenstown Lakes, there are now 1,485 active cases and in Central, 325.

It brings the total number of cases in the South in the last 90 days to 18,927.

There are 18 people in hospital with the virus – 14 in Dunedin, three in Invercargill and one in Queenstown.

Across the country, there are 943 people in hospital with the virus.

Current hospitalisations as at 8am, March 18, 2022 (Source SDHB)  

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.  

Current cases as of 11.59pm, March 17, 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 use of RATs and system lag issues there may be a discrepancy in the number of total active cases from the territorial authority breakdown. 

Here’s how the numbers of new cases reported by the SDHB in Queenstown-Lakes and Central Otago have been tracking in the last seven days.

Covid-19 in the South - What you need to know:

• Please only get tested if you have symptoms or are a household contact of a confirmed case.
• Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website.
• 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.
• 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. 
• Prepare now to self-isolate if you or a family member or housemate tests positive.
• If you are self-isolating and require welfare support such as help getting groceries, please call 0800 512 337.
• If you have concerns about Covid-19 symptoms, call your general practice or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 at any time. If you are very unwell or having breathing difficulties, call 111 immediately.