Hospitalisation of people with Covid-19 continues to be high throughout the Southern district, Te Whatu Ora Southern has reported.

There are currently 49 people in hospital with Covid-19 in the Southern region: 24 in Dunedin; 16 in Southland; seven in Dunstan; one in Maniototo; and one in Oamaru.

There are two people in the Dunedin Hospital ICU with Covid-19, one of whom is ventilated.

“These high numbers continue to put pressure on our hospital systems, including emergency departments, due to the streaming of patients into red stream (Covid-19 positive) and green stream (Covid-19 negative),” Te Whatu Ora Southern said.

“The best way you can support healthcare workers and hospital emergency departments is to wear a mask when you are out in public and get your Covid-19 booster dose if you are eligible. A booster dose is your best protection against hospitalisation for Covid19.”

The Southern region currently has 4,956 active cases of the virus. Seven hundred and sixty seven cases were reported on Tuesday (July 26). 

There are 58 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Central Otago; 20 in Clutha; 353 in Dunedin; 14 in Gore; 127 in Invercargill; 98 in Queenstown Lakes; 46 in Southland; and 51 in Waitaki.

One hundred and 19 one people have died with Covid-19 in the Southern region to date.

 You can be infected with Covid-19 more than once, which many people throughout Southern and Aotearoa are now discovering, Te Whatu Ora Southern said.

“Please be vigilant when out in the community and wear a mask, practise good hand hygiene and physical distancing where appropriate.”

If you are self-isolating and require welfare support such as help getting groceries, call 0800 512 337. For help accessing Covid-19 testing call the WellSouth call centre on 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719).   

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.