News broke of two confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Christchurch yesterday, bringing the threat of Delta that little bit closer to home. 

Central Otago’s vaccination rates are ticking higher, with the race to 90% double vaccination now more important than ever. 

Central Otago as a whole sits at 88.8% having received a single dose.

Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan says the latest vaccination rates are a good indication the district is taking vaccinations seriously. 

“It is good to see some of our rural areas getting good uplift in getting higher double-dosed levels and it is also good to see the Teviot Valley having by far the biggest uptake in first doses, although regrettably the Teviot still lags well behind the rest of the district.

He explains Earnscleugh's first dose figures are not showing up on the website for some yet-to-be-determined reason. However its second dose figure is at 86.4% - the highest in the district. 

Clyde, as well as Dunstan/Galloway sit closely behind, with 84.5% and 81.2% respectively. 

“Let's keep encouraging those who are worried about getting vaccinated to get good, trustworthy information and to get vaccinated for the sake of themselves, their whanau and the whole community.”

Earnscleugh is close to pipping the 90% double dose vaccination figure, leading the way in the district. 

Overall stats for the Southern DHB as of Thursday were 88.7% for first doses, 76.5% for second.

Southern COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Lead Hamish Brown echoes the good work in vaccination rates but says more work needs to be done. 

“It’s encouraging to see our communities continuing to take up the opportunity to get vaccinated to protect what we love,” Hamish says. 

“As we all know, the more people who are fully vaccinated, the better. There is still plenty of capacity at the 110 providers throughout the district offering the vaccine, making it really easy for everyone to get their first or second doses.

“It’s important that we all treat those who are hesitant about getting the vaccine with kindness, and help them to access reliable information to answer their questions.

“This could be as simple as encouraging them to chat to their GP, or to visit the Unite Against Covid-19 website.

“The Ministry of Health has published some helpful resources for those still unsure about the vaccine.”

According to the Southern DHB, 74.5% of those in the Southern District have received full vaccination (two doses) against Covid-19. 

As Delta becomes closer, the Southern Medical Officer of Health is urging the public to get tested if they are sick, get vaccinated and follow level 2 rules

Covid-19 is in the South Island and Southern DHB’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Michael Butchard is urging southerners to get tested if they have any symptoms.

“It is not if, but when we get a case in the Southern district and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of staying home and getting tested if people have any Covid-19 symptoms, however mild,” Michael says. 

“They should either call 0800 VIRUS-19 (0800 847 8719) or their GP to arrange a Covid-19 test. Testing is quick and it’s free.

“With the case in Blenheim and the two cases in Christchurch there is no time for complacency - if people don’t get tested we won’t know that Covid-19 has made it to the district.  

“The sooner we pick up the first case the sooner we can get on top of it. We don’t want a situation where a positive person has been in the community potentially spreading the disease.”

Michael also emphasises the importance of getting vaccinated. 

“If you haven’t had your vaccination please go and get it today.”

“So far 88.3% of eligible Southern residents have had their first dose of the vaccine, and 74.5% are fully vaccinated. 

“Southerners have done a fantastic job in getting vaccinated but we need everyone who is eligible who hasn’t already had the vaccination to do their bit. 

“If you know whanau or friends who are hesitant, reach out to them today and have a friendly chat about why you got vaccinated.”

Michael says getting vaccinated means you are far less likely to get really sick and have to go to hospital if you catch Covid-19. You are also less likely to pass Covid-19 on to other people. 

Studies show that 95% of people who have received two doses of the vaccine are protected against getting Covid-19 symptoms. 

If you are not vaccinated, you are eleven times more likely to die from Covid-19, and ten times more likely to be admitted to hospital, he explains. 

The public are also reminded of the importance of following the Alert Level 2 rules. 

“The Delta strain is highly infectious, and can spread by airborne transmission.  So please wear a mask when you leave the house, remember to scan everywhere you go, and don’t forget the importance of good hand hygiene. 

“All these measures will protect yourselves and others,” Michael says. 

Vaccinations are free and available to anyone in New Zealand aged 12 and over. It’s easy to book and there are lots of places to get vaccinated including many drop in clinics. 

Bookings can also be made online by clicking here, or by calling 0800 28 29 26.