The government and WellSouth are urging people to maintain public health measures over the holidays to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on ourselves, whānau and vulnerable members of the community.

In the Southern region 2,890 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in the past week (as of December 19). Nationally, there have been 42,740 new cases reported in this time.

WellSouth clinical director Dr Carol Atmore said while we all may be over Covid, unfortunately, Covid is not yet over with us.

Dr Carol Atmore

“We are seeing numbers of reported cases creeping back up – and increasing hospitalisations and pressure on health services. Modelling predicts another peak of cases over the summer.”

She said people should not be complacent and need to take “sensible measures” including getting tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms, staying home if you are unwell, socially distancing and wearing a mask when out and about. 

“These are small efforts that can have a big impact.”

Oral antivirals are available without a prescription at pharmacies for people with Covid-19 who meet the criteria of being over 65, or over 50 if Māori and Pasifika (or for people with some chronic conditions).

Carol said these medications greatly reduce the severity and duration of a person's infection and help to reduce pressure on the health system.

Four thousand doses of antivirals have been administered each week according to Covid-19 response minister Ayesha Verrall. 

Reporting a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) is important, irrespective of your age, to ensure you get guidance and appropriate care from your GP or other health provider.

“Moving towards the holiday season, it is important to think about how you and your family will manage if you get sick with Covid. Make a plan for how you will isolate if you are on

holiday, stock up on masks and RAT tests… and have medications and other necessities on hand,” Carol said.

One more thing you can do to reduce your Covid-19 risk is ensure adequate ventilation indoors. Even in cold or wet weather, opening a window when you leave a room, or partly opening a window will help. Get tips on improving ventilation at home here. 

The Ministry of Health’s current Covid-19 modelling is predicting 1,100 people in hospital with Covid-19 per day, and approximately 13,000 cases per day. Read more on RNZ about the most common variant BA2.75.

Useful links:

• Southern region sites for free RAT collection
• Free Covid-19 healthline (any time, any day) on 0800 358 54 53
• Information on oral antivirals
• Check your vaccination status and get your free booster if you need to, click here to find a clinic near you.
• Report a positive RAT online or call 0800 222 478 and choose option 3