Covid-19 and tummy bugs are impacting Central currently, with schools and aged care facilities experiencing illness.

Ranui manager Leigh McLeod said 12 residents and 17 staff have tested positive for Covid-19 in the last two and a half weeks.

“We have strict protocols to keep our residents as safe as possible and our team of health professionals are well versed in managing a Covid-19 outbreak.

“Residents who test positive are isolated and their meals are taken to them. We are asking that visitors wear masks and if anyone is feeling unwell or has Covid-19 symptoms that they refrain from visiting, take a RAT test and, if it’s positive, isolate until they are well again.” 

Leigh said it’s never easy putting in place these restrictions as they limit what residents can do, but the priority is to keep them safe and well.

Dunstan High School (DHS) acting principal Bryce Clapham said a number of staff were away last week with illness and two cases were Covid-19. 

“The rest tested negative and were back at school after a few days.

“With our students we are seeing a number . . . away at the moment with gastro illness and Covid-19. Although it is difficult to track numbers as whānau are no longer required to report and testing is also not required.” 

Cromwell College (CC) urged families, via a newsletter on March 7, to keep students home if they were unwell.

Principal Mason Stretch said CC had “some students and staff off with Covid-19, but not large numbers yet.”

Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) guidelines are that you isolate for at least five days, if you have a positive test, even if your symptoms are mild. Read guidelines here.

Parents are reminded to test if anyone has symptoms such as a new or worsening cough, sneezing and runny nose, fever, sore throat, altered sense of taste, shortness of breath and fatigue.

Lesser common symptoms of Covid-19 include diarrhoea, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting, a general feeling of discomfort, illness or unease, chest, abdominal, and joint pain and confusion or irritability.

Across New Zealand as of Sunday, March 3, 5575 cases of Covid-19 were reported, with a seven day rolling average of 796, down from the week prior, when it was 868. Twenty one deaths in the last week were attributed to Covid-19. 

An updated Covid-19 vaccine was made available on March 7 by Pharmac, which is for the XBB.1.5 strain and is more effective against more recent sub variants present in New Zealand.

Health NZ national public health service director Dr Nick Chamberlain confirmed that Covid-19 is not a seasonal illness, and there has been a rise in cases over the summer. 

“If you’re eligible, you can get a vaccination if it’s been at least six months since your last Covid-19 vaccine or if you have never had one before. It’s recommended that you wait at least six months since your last Covid-19 infection.

“The XBB vaccine is especially recommended for those who are more likely to get seriously unwell if they get Covid-19,” Nick said.  

WellSouth clinical director Carol Atmore said free rapid antigen tests (RATs) were available at their office 4/59 Russell Street, Alexandra, Monday to Thursday 10-3pm.

Dr Carol Atmore. PHOTO: File 

Carol said it was also a good time to talk about measles. 

“Flu vaccinations should be available early in April at healthcare providers, pharmacies and via many workplaces.

"While you get your flu vax . . . ask about the measles mumps and rubella or MMR immunisation and find out if you are covered."

People can check via the My Health Record website.

“There is concern that measles may be beginning to circulate. Early symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19, or the common cold. The best protection against measles is two doses of the free MMR vaccine – this provides lifelong protection in 99 per cent of people.”

Central residents due for a Covid-19 vaccine can book a vaccine for themselves, a family member, or a group on bookmyvaccine.health.nz or call 0800 28 29 26 – 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or contact your pharmacy, doctor, nurse or healthcare provider.