There are 205 active covid-19 cases in Central Otago, and 15 new cases according to Southern District Health Boards statement released late yesterday.

The Ministry of Health total figures for Southern for the previous 24 hours are 506 new positive cases and a total of 8,536 active cases.  

Cases continue to pop up in local schools with Cromwell College, The Terrace School and Dunstan High School all having a handful each.

Dunstan High School principal Reece Goldsmith said they were currently seeing a small number of students who have either caught covid or who are household contacts.

"We anticipate these numbers will continue to rise over the next few weeks and we are prepared for this. I am really proud of the way our students, staff and indeed this community are taking everything in their stride and are getting on with things in a really positive manner."

Cromwell College principal Mason Stretch confirmed they also have several students confirmed with covid-19 who are self isolating at home as per the Ministry of Health guidance.

"It is another timely reminder that we all need to be vigilant around monitoring for symptoms and adhering to all the health protocols that are in place. 

Our school is still open and we are continuing to operate following the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health requirements."

The Terrace School principal Sarah Graham confirmed a third case at school a few days ago and urged people to continue to follow good practices when it comes their health and the health of whānau.

Central Otago District Council Mayor Tim Cadogan said he was thinking of the people unwell with covid-19 in Central Otago.

"If you are suffering from covid at the moment, thoughts are with you. I hope you get through okay and you're being well looked after and you are reaching out and finding the support you need."

Dunedin has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the Southern District at 5,187; followed by Queenstown Lakes; Invercargill with 565; Waitaki with 320; Southland with 250; Central Otago with 205; Gore with 145; and Clutha with 135.

The SDHB reiterated that individuals should only get tested if they have symptoms or are a household contact of a confirmed case.

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.

SDHB also contacted 1500 people yesterday who were impacted by a covid-19 vaccination storage glitch. Read more about that here: Replacement Covid-19 vaccination encouraged following detection of isolated storage issue in Queenstown Lakes area

PHOTO: Southern District Health Board supplied. Numbers as at 11.59pm March 6.