Southern District Health Board (SDHB) is estimating total case numbers of Omicron are around 1200 in the district, with numbers continuing to go up.

In a statement released late yesterday a spokesperson said the reported number of cases was not reflective of the true number of cases across the district.

"Please be vigilant when out in the community. Covid-19 is widespread, and we all run the risk of being exposed."

SDHB figures show 690 active cases (as at midnight last night) with 206 new cases on Tuesday.

In Central Otago there are 11 cases, with 2 new yesterday. Queenstown and Dunedin have "widespread Covid-19 infections in the community" the SDHB said.

Southern district labs are at capacity due to high demand for PCR testing. Changes are underway to introduce more widespread use of rapid antigen tests (RATs).

This means some symptomatic people who go to a testing centre will receive a RAT from now on. This will mainly include younger adults. This is to ensure that PCR tests can be offered to the most vulnerable people who need them.

"If you have symptoms or have been advised to get tested, then please go to a testing centre, or call your GP to arrange a test. You will be provided with the appropriate test for you by testing staff.  

"If you are not symptomatic, or are not a close contact, you do not need to get tested. Please only get tested if you are symptomatic or have been identified as a close contact. 

"Due to the large demand on our labs the processing of swabs is taking time. Lab staff are doing an amazing job to process the huge demand. Please be patient in waiting for your results. Healthcare teams across the Southern district are working hard to get these to you as soon as possible." 

PHOTO: Supplied

As of 1pm Monday 21 February there are 223 close contacts isolating throughout the Southern district. 56 of these are in the Queenstown-Lakes district and 159 are in Dunedin. 

Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website.