Some Central residents are skipping reporting their covid-19 cases to the Ministry of Health as they are unsure of the process and the rationale for reporting is unclear.

An Alexandra-based small business owner said they felt too sick and tired to find the process of how to report their positive case, while they still had their day-to-day business to run.

The business owner said they didn’t want to be a number and weren’t clear on the importance of reporting the positive rapid antigen test.

“No one told us why we should do it… or what’s the reason other than reporting numbers. They just expected all to do it [report positive results] “

Another Cromwell resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said they weren’t aware that they needed to report their families' positive cases to the Ministry of Health. 

In Alexandra, one mum said she didn’t report her children catching covid-19 because they were asymptomatic and she’ didn’t see the point’ since they were in isolation only interacting with other family members, for a few days before their positive results.

One local Central man said he did report his case to the Ministry of Health and he found it simple to do so.

“The only benefit to me was that we got some RAT tests to use with whanau because I reported it.

“Since there is no contact tracing now, there really wasn’t much more point apart from for the RATs.”

The Central App has heard of a person not RAT testing, despite the onset of symptoms to get a haircut, potentially exposing the hairdressing staff and anyone else who may be inside the premises at the same time to covid-19.

WellSouth primary health network medical director Carol Atmore said people should be confident to get tested for Covid and report their positive rapid antigen test result.

"Testing is readily available and easy to do. Reporting your positive RAT test electronically at My Covid Record is straight forward for many people and doesn’t use any data.

"For people that this method doesn’t work for... you can do it on the phone by dialling 0800 222 478. By reporting your positive test, that lets your health provider know you have covid and they can contact you and provide you with virtual based-health care - by phone or video calling - while you are isolating."

Carol said if you have complicated health issues, or haven’t yet been fully vaccinated, you may be eligible for oral anti-viral medication.

"By logging your positive RAT test this alerts your health care team to check if you are eligible for this medication, which you need to be started early on in your covid illness."

"In addition, registering your positive covid test provides you access to social support and financial support....It also helps us understand where covid is tracking in the district, so we can all help stop the spread of the virus in our communities. You can access these services regardless of your residency or visa status."

Carol said if you do test positive you should stay home for seven days to reduce the spread of the virus and protect others who might be vulnerable to infection.

 "High vaccination and booster rates help protect us from the virus but even so, some people can get very unwell if they are infected. So, being tested for covid, reporting your test results, and taking care when you are unwell, are the best things you can do to help get through your illness, protect our communities and reduce covid cases in among our populations."

Daily reported figures for covid-19 for Central on Friday were 65 new cases and a total of 419 cases. For the Southern district there were 742 new cases and 5166 total cases. Twenty three people were in hospital in the Southern district, 18 in Dunedin and five in Southland hospital. None were ventilated or in ICU.

Information on how to report your RAT results can be found on the Unite Against Covid-19 website here or by clicking into Unite via The Central App.

Map of current cases in Southern district as at 11.59pm May 12 . PHOTO: Southern District Health Board

Have you got a covid experience to share with the Central community? Contact The Central App news team: [email protected]