Central Otago had 85 new covid-19 cases yesterday and a total of 415 active cases, as numbers ratchet up in the Southern region and some retailers have to temporarily close. 

In a statement on Thursday, Southern District Health Board (SDHB) said the South Island including the Southern district has not reached its Omicron peak yet.

“There is the potential that our case numbers could continue at around current levels for a short while yet,” SDHB senior communications advisor Catherine Mackmurdie said.

“The Southern Health system wants to highlight to the public that now is not the time to get complacent regarding public health measures. 

“It is more important than ever to continue to wear a mask in public, follow good hand hygiene, practice physical distancing and, if feeling sick, get tested and isolate at home until you receive a negative test result.”  

At 8am on March 24 six people were in hospital in Southland and 16 in Dunedin. None were in ICU or ventilated. 

Ministry of Health figures were 1459 new positive cases in Southern.

Alexandra’s Eat Humble Pie had to close its doors for a week and owners had to isolate due to testing positive for Covid-19. 

Owner Susan Rowsel said since returning to work on March 22 her customers and the community had rallied around.

“It’s been hard this week, as it’s very tiring. I’m looking forward to having the weekend off.”

On the subject of how she had coped with isolation and covid, she said her friends and family really came to the party dropping off whatever she needed. 

“Health Central had everything in place . . . our nurse practitioner was even working from home . . . everyone was fantastic.”

Central Otago Sports Depot is also closed temporarily as owners have to isolate as household contacts of a confirmed case.

Owner Stu Middendorf said he had lots of parcels being thrown over the fence by family and friends.

“We’re doing okay. Covid has allowed us to spend some nice time together as a family.

“We are apologetic to our customers who we can’t support at the moment with what they might need to go fishing.”

Stu said his test results later today would determine when they could open their doors again.

“We’ll update our Facebook page to let everyone know.”