A mental health worker at Bay of Plenty District Health Board has tested positive for Covid-19.
The nurse who was working at the adult mental health unit at Tauranga Hospital, Te Whare Maiangiangi, is recovering at home and the 21 staff members who were in contact with her have been stood down and are in self isolation.
Bay of Plenty DHB acting chief executive Simon Everitt said the nurse became symptomatic mid-week and was tested at a local community based assessment centre (CBAC) on Thursday, with the result confirmed Friday night. She had not been at work since developing the symptoms.
Patients who had contact with the nurse have been tested for Covid-19, including 14 patients who are currently being cared for on the ward and three who have been discharged. They have all been told to self-isolate.
The unit has now closed and new patients are being diverted to Whakatāne Hospital or a hospital within the Lakes District Health Board. Meanwhile staff working on the ward would continue to use appropriate PPE as recommended by the Ministry of Health.