Covid-19 cases in Wairoa: Mayor urges people to stay calm, be kind and follow guidelines
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little is urging his community to stay calm, be kind and follow the Covid-19 guidelines following news of two positive cases in the district.
The Hawke's Bay District Health Board confirmed the news this evening, and say the cases are close household contacts of a previously reported case from outside of Hawke's Bay. The cases are considered to be "low risk" and are self-isolating.
Little says they weren't naive to think Covid-19 wouldn't reach the district.
“We have been preparing for when Covid-19 comes to our district, we have plans in place and our priority is to keep our whānau as safe as possible.
“We are working with the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board to ensure the safety of everyone in our district. We have a ‘By Wairoa for Wairoa’ pandemic plan in place. This Wairoa-led response has been collated in collaboration with the HBDHB, Wairoa District Council, local iwi and health and social service organisations.
He is encouraging everyone to review their whānau and whare plans and to ensure that, if necessary, you are able to stay home for a period of time.
“People need to be prepared to self-isolate and have a plan around how they will take care of whānau who become sick. I hope people have been planning and have food supplies, fluids, and baby, pet or other specialised needs, hygiene products and medical and cleaning supplies already in their homes.
“Please do not panic and overload our local supermarket, pharmacy or other businesses, there is plenty to go around. We need everyone to respond calmly and be kind to each other."
The Wairoa District is currently in red under the new traffic light system implemented today, while the rest of Hawke's Bay has shifted into "orange". Little says he was surprised and a "little bit disappointed" by the decision by the government to shift them into red, but understands their vaccination rates need to be lifted.
“Double vaccination remains the best protection. If you are hesitant about receiving your vaccination, please talk to people who you trust, seek factual advice and be informed by trusted sources.
“People should also follow the Covid-19 guidelines, such as mask-wearing, sanitising, social distancing and using the tracer app.
Anyone who is feeling unwell or has Covid-19 symptoms, even if they are mild, is urged to get tested as soon as possible. The Queen Street Practice will have Covid19 testing available on Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm.
“It is also important people source their information from reliable and genuine sources. There is a lot of misinformation being spread and I urge everyone to do their research and ensure their information is accurate.”
“Please be kind and support each other and our communities during this challenging time.”
