There were 15 new cases of Covid-19 in Central Otago yesterday (Tuesday March 1), bringing the total number of active cases to 105.

The Southern district now has 4,820 total active cases. There are 3,273 in Dunedin; Queenstown Lakes has 867; Invercargill has 245; Waitaki 120; Southland and Central Otago each have 105; Clutha 55; and Gore 45.

In a statement released yesterday afternoon the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) advised people to ensure they and their family have a plan to self isolate or care for vulnerable family members in case this is needed.

There have been cases at Dunstan High School and two cases were confirmed yesterday in The Terrace School community, via an email to families.

Terrace School principal Sarah Graham said the students were isolating at home, and encouraged whānau to watch for symptoms.

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. 

During this time, unless you are very sick, you will need to self-manage your isolation as much as possible. This could mean ordering groceries or food online, asking friends and whānau to drop off any medication you may need on the doorstep, and generally looking after yourself like you would if you had the flu or a cold. All while staying at home and isolating until your household has fully recovered from COVID-19. 

There are many supports in place for any household that is isolating. 

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.