Person in hospital with Covid in Queenstown

Health officials are reporting 247 new cases of Covid-19 today in Queenstown Lakes and 50 in Central Otago, and one person is now in hospital with the virus in Queenstown.

The total number of active cases in Queenstown Lakes is 1,921 and in Central Otago, 340. 

It brings the total number of cases in the South in the last 90 days to 16,790.

Across the South there are 13 people in hospital with the virus - eight in Dunedin and four in Invercargill, in addition to the latest case in Queenstown.

Current hospitalisations as at 8am, March 16, 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 15, 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 Southern District Health Board is also encouraging those who can to receive their third vaccination against the virus.

"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."

Across the Southern region 98.5 percent of those eligible to do so have received a first dose, 97.3 percent a second, and 75.3 percent a third.

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.