Twenty Covid-19 close contacts isolating in Hawke's Bay, Ministry reveals
A heat map representing the whereabouts of more than 15,000 Covid-19 close contacts has revealed 20 are isolating in Hawke's Bay.
However, they have not returned a positive test, the Ministry of Health says.
"There have been no positive Covid-19 cases recorded in Hawke's Bay related to the current outbreak," a spokesperson said in a statement sent to Hawke's Bay App.
"As of 8am Tuesday, 20 individual contacts have been registered in the National Contact Tracing Centre register as currently isolating in the Hawke's Bay DHB region."
Contact tracing is carried out by Public Health Units and is coordinated by the National Contact Tracing Centre at the Ministry of Health.
"New Zealand’s contact tracers are working tirelessly and at pace. We would like to acknowledge their incredible mahi, and thank everyone who has cooperated with contact tracers. You are doing your bit for New Zealand’s fight against Covid-19," they said.
"The number of contacts has increased significantly, This is something we expected as we identify and investigate more cases, and test in large numbers."
There were no listed Hawke's Bay locations of interest (sites visited by people who have tested positive) but the MoH says people who have recently visited Auckland, the Coromandel and Wellington should check the lists of locations.
"The Ministry of Health asks everyone in Hawke’s Bay to remain vigilant. Anyone experiencing cold or flu symptoms, should get tested and self-isolate until they have received their results."
Hawke's Bay District Health Board's Medical Officer of Health Dr Nicholas Jones said within the past seven days 3,717 Hawke’s Bay people had been tested for COVID-19 with all returning negative results.
“Our testing centres across the region are doing a phenomenal job and the DHB’s laboratory has been keeping up with this demand returning results to centres, on average, within 25 hours over the past seven days,” he said.
“Although lab turnaround has been quick, with testing centres so busy it may take longer for some people to receive their result via text. However, if anyone returned a positive result, these would be followed up immediately.”
Symptoms of Covid-19 include cold or flu-like illness with one or more of the following: a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath. A runny nose or loss of smell.
People can call one of the numbers below to immediately book a test, or phone their doctor.
Napier: 06 650 4000
Hastings: 06 281 2644.
Wairoa: 06 838 8333
Central Hawke’s Bay: Residents should call their doctor or Healthline: 0800 358 5453.
If you were at a location of interest, at the specified times, self-isolate and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice on testing.
Dr Jones said there were lots of opportunities for vaccinations across the region. Go to bookmyvaccine.nz to register or book a vaccine.
