195 new cases in Q'town, 25 in Central Otago

The number of people in hospital across the country with Covid-19 has hit a record 845 today, with 11 of them in the Southern region.

Local health officials say there are eight people in hospital with the virus in Dunedin, two in Invercargill, and one in Queenstown.

In Aotearoa there are 21,015 new community cases today, while across the South the figure is 918 – 195 of them in Queenstown-Lakes and 25 in Central Otago.

It takes the total number of cases in the South to 11,267 – 2,095 of them in Queenstown-Lakes and 310 in Central Otago.

Current cases as of 11.59pm, March 9, 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. 

The Ministry of Health says 16 people are in intensive care across the country.

“There are now more people in hospital with Covid-19 than at any other point over the past two years,” the Ministry says.

There was also one new death reported today; yesterday, four people died with the virus.

Most of today’s fresh cases are a result of people reporting positive rapid antigen tests (RATs).

The Southern District Health Board says it’s important for people to record positive RAT results, either through ‘My Covid Record’ or by calling 0800 222 478. 

Only people showing symptoms or who are a household contact of a confirmed case should get tested, the SDHB says.

As the Omicron outbreak spreads in the Southern district many aged residential care facilities are having staff test positive and some are finding Covid-19 infection amongst residents, the SDHB says. 

“Some aged residential care facilities have closed to visitors in the short term as a precaution to protect their vulnerable residents.

“If you have a loved one in an aged residential care facility and are unsure if you can visit them, please phone the facility in question.”

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

• If you have any questions about Covid-19, self-isolation, or what you need to do if you test positive, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
• Prepare now to self-isolate if you or a family member or housemate tests positive.
• If you are self-isolating and require well fare 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.
• Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website.