Covid-19 case numbers for Central continue to increase, as yesterday’s figures topped 90 new positive cases again. 

Numbers released in a statement yesterday by the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) were 93 new cases for Central Otago, and a total of 575 active cases.

Dr Hywel Lloyd, SDHB Covid-19 response lead said cases continue to rise in parts of Southern, especially in Central Otago, where we are now seeing our steepest rise in cases, and where many people will be heading for a break this holiday weekend.

“We all love to enjoy what Central and Queenstown has to offer, but our health system is stretched because of Covid-19 related staff absence in Central Otago,” 

“We are also seeing a continuing rise in infections in our 65+ population and in those in the 40–50-year-old age group,” said Hywel.

Recent wastewater testing throughout the Southern district has shown that we are highly likely to have many more cases than are currently being reported and that the self-reporting model has resulted in significant underreporting across the district.   

Twenty two patients were in Dunedin Hospital, 9 in Southland and 1 in Lakes. None were in ICU or ventilated yesterday. 

Ministry of Health numbers for the Southern region were 1148 new positive cases, and 7,497 total cases.

Alexandra Family Medical said in an email to The Central App that they were monitoring their covid positive patients daily. 

“Most patients get follow ups via the phone, but a few do need an assessment at the clinic.

“Most common symptoms requiring a check are ongoing fatigue, headaches, and a racing heart.

“So far, we have managed to keep Covid outside the practice by limiting access into the building and waiting room.”

The practice spokesperson said Covid vaccinations continued for children under 12 and that they were carrying out influenza vaccinations now as well.

“We recommend that patients get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible as it is predicted that there is likely to be more influenza in the community due to the borders reopening.”

Despite still seeing a higher number of daily cases, the spokesperson said most patients, young and old, were well prepared.

A spokesperson from Cromwell Family Practice said the team were all hanging in there and doing their best even though it had been two years of this sort of operation.

“We’re doing what we can to keep everyone protected.”

The practice spokesperson said they were busy dealing with covid acute patients but being part of a fantastic team was contributing to keeping everything ticking along smoothly.

The SDHB urged all people in our community to continue to wear a mask when in public, especially when indoors. 

By continuing to wear a mask when in public, and wear it correctly, practise good hand hygiene, and stay home when you’re sick, we can all help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the people we care about.   

If you have any questions about COVID-19, self-isolation, or what you need to do if you test positive, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. 

New Zealand was lowered down to the orange alert level 11.59 last night (Tuesday) meaning that there are no longer indoor or outdoor capacity limits and there are no seated and separated rules. Read more about this here: Updated: Chris Hipkins reveals decision on traffic light settings