Queenstown Lakes District mayor Jim Boult says a case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has been identified in Queenstown.

Jim said the individual with Omicron was cooperating with Ministry of Health officials to identify any locations of interest and close contacts.

Go to COVID-19 for more information and places of interest.

“Obviously we wish the individual concerned well and encourage everyone to keep a watchful eye on the Ministry of Health website for any notified locations of interest in the district.”

The Ministry of Health website, which is updated every 24 hours, does not yet have a record of the new case.

The mayor said the Omicron case was a reality check and a reminder to follow public health advice.

“Whilst we’ve all done great work in getting vaccination and booster numbers up and following CPF red setting practice, it’s time to double down and keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy,” he said. 

To book your vaccine or booster shot, click here https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz/

“This may feel confronting with our district having been free from Covid-19 for so long, but we knew it was coming,” Jim said.

“Over the coming weeks and months, we are highly likely to see more cases pop up, so have a chat to your household about what you would do in case you had to isolate at home. Do you have enough groceries, pet food and medication, or do you have someone who can drop supplies at your door?”

It’s also a reminder to follow public health advice, including:

-    Regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands or use hand sanitiser.

-    Sneeze and cough into your elbow.

-   Keep your distance from people you do not know.

-    Clean or disinfect shared surfaces often.

-    If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms: stay home, get a test.

-    Always use the COVID tracer app when entering all premises, including the workplace, and have Bluetooth turned on.

-    Wear a mask whenever you can and where they are mandated.

-    Get a booster if you are now eligible.

More information will be released shortly.