Covid-19 exposure events have occurred in several wards at Dunedin hospital and the Covid ward is at capacity there, Southern District Health Board (SDHB) said yesterday.

The numbers of people in hospital with Covid-19 have increased since the last release of figures. There are 34 people in hospitals across the Southern region. 

Twenty-six people are in Dunedin (one is in ICU), six in Southland and two in Waitaki. (This is up from 24 in Dunedin, seven in Southland and one in Dunstan on May 31)

There are 467 new Covid-19 cases in the Southern region today. For Central there are 22 new reported cases and a total of 165 active cases. 

One more person has died with Covid-19 in the Southern region, the Ministry of Health reported yesterday (Friday June 3).

“Due to increased Covid-19 risk and pressure on hospital capacity, visiting restrictions have been tightened to protect our vulnerable patients in Dunedin hospital,” the SDHB said.

All wards were closed to visitors at 6pm on Thursday June 2.

SDHB chief operating officer Hamish Brown said they understand that this will be distressing for patients and their families, and thanked people for their patience and understanding.

“We appreciate you supporting our health care team to keep our community safe.

“Visiting is available under compassionate grounds. Please contact the ward for further information.”

Current visiting restrictions remain for all other areas with patients to the emergency department and outpatients allowed one support person.

Patients are advised to contact maternity services and children's ward for specific visitor information.

The Central App will update readers when visitor arrangements change. 

From today (June 6) SDHB will no longer release Covid-19 numbers for Central.

The Central App will bring you a roundup of local covid-19 news each week on a Thursday morning. 

Map showing distribution of Covid-19 cases in the Southern region. PHOTO: SDHB