There are now only 30 people in the Southern region recorded on the national contact tracing system as close contacts from the Covid-19 outbreak.

On Friday (August 27) there were more than 120 people recorded as close contacts in this region, but most of them have now completed their 14 day isolation period, Southern District Health Board (SDHB) medical officer of health Dr Michael Butchard said.

Meanwhile, the Southern region’s Covid-19 vaccination programme has delivered 254,860 doses of the vaccine to date: 82,184 of which were second doses. 

Across the district, 59.7 per cent of the population has received at least one dose, and 28.7 per cent are fully vaccinated, SDHB Covid-19 vaccine programme lead Hamish Brown said.

“This is thanks to a tremendous effort from over 100 providers across the district, including pharmacies, general practices, Māori and Pasifika health providers, the staff at the DHB’s vaccination clinics in Invercargill and Dunedin – and of course a tremendous response from the public,” Hamish said. 

“Thank you all for playing your part to keep the community safe.”

Hamish said some people may be taking the opportunity to be vaccinated despite already having made an appointment elsewhere. 

“We ask anyone in this situation to please remember to cancel their other appointment. This helps us know where there are available appointments across the district and ensure others don't miss out on the chance to get vaccinated sooner. You can change or cancel your appointments by going to bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling 0800 28 29 26,” he said.

Today (Monday August 30) more than 260 Covid-19 tests were taken by WellSouth staff and general practices around the district.

PHOTO: Reuters