Public health officials deem the risk from last night's exposure event at Tauranga Hospital is low but are today carrying out further evaluations.
One ward has been closed to both visitors and new patients out of an abundance of caution. Three staff members have been stood down as a precaution.
Bay of plenty DHB Covid-19 Incident Controller Trevor Richardson told the Bay of Plenty Times no members of the public or patients were exposed to the infected person as airborne and isolation precautions were followed and the patient was managed accordingly.
Richardson confirmed the Mental Health Service for Older Persons ward was closed to visitors and new patients. He said the duration of the closure will depend on clinical observation of patients over coming days. It will remain closed until further notice.
The Bay of Plenty DHB posted to its Facebook page: "We are currently investigating possible Covid-19 exposure events at Tauranga Hospital.
"The potential exposure is considered to be limited however, while we further evaluate the situation, one ward has been closed to both visitors and new patients. Three staff members have been stood down as a precaution.
"The risk to patients on this ward is considered to be low and they will be monitored closely over the coming days. The closure of the ward at this time is being undertaken out of an abundance of caution.
"We continue to provide the best quality care to our patients and the hospital remains open and a safe place to come. If you are ill and need our care, please do not hesitate to present to the hospital."
In the Lakes DHB area, two of the new cases are connected to the Taupō cluster, one of which is in Rotorua Hospital.
One case is linked to an existing case and investigations into the other case are ongoing but potential links have already been identified.
Lakes DHB chief operating officer Alan Wilson confirmed to the Rotorua Daily Post one patient was in hospital and was following plans that were already in place for the safe care of any patient with Covid – both to avoid spread to other patients, and to keep staff safe.
"When caring for any patient with Covid, or with a high possibility of Covid, the patient is kept in isolation from other patients - usually in the Covid Medical Ward Area, or in ICU.
"All staff wear personal protective equipment appropriate to caring for patients with Covid, or where there is a high suspicion of Covid (until it is proven not to be Covid)."
For privacy reasons, the DHB would not give a condition report on the patient or their expected length of stay.
A spokeswoman for the DHB said there was currently a no visitor restriction in place, this was actioned when the first case emerged in the Lakes DHB region. However, in certain circumstances, it did allow a support person for a patient.
The total number of cases in Bay of Plenty is now 10 and 21 in Lakes.
There are 172 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today in total.
Locations of interest were released last night, including a medical centre and a supermarket in Tauranga.
There have been no new locations of interest announced in the Bay of Plenty today, as at 1pm.
The locations of interest stretch back to Tuesday last week, before the first Covid-positive wastewater sample was taken the following day.
Locations of interest
• Countdown Bethlehem, Tuesday November 9 3.05pm-4.50pm
• The Doctors Bayfair, Wednesday November 10 9.15am-6pm
• The Doctors Bayfair, Thursday November 11 9.15am-3pm
• BP Connect Te Puna, Friday November 12 8.15am-9.30am
• Bethlehem Pharmacy, Tuesday, November 9, 3.30pm-5.15pm
• Caltex Welcome Bay, Thursday November 18, 4pm-5.30pm
• Your Pharmacy, Thursday November 11, 12.30 pm-2pm
The Ministry of Health instructed anyone at these locations during these periods to self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms for 10 days after the potential exposure.
"If symptoms develop, get a test and stay at home until you get a negative test result AND until 24 hours after symptoms resolve."
Of the new Bay of Plenty cases announced on Friday, one lives in the Tauranga area, and four are in Mount Maunganui, the Ministry of Health said.
All but one of the above cases were household contacts of known cases.
Links between the remaining Mount Maunganui case and known cases are still being investigated. All cases are self-isolating at home.
As a precaution, a Bay of Plenty school, Tahatai Coast School, linked to one of the cases had been closed today and all students and staff are being offered tests.
Interviews are continuing to determine case movements. Any locations of interest will be added to the Ministry's website as they are identified.
The ministry said everyone who lives in or has travelled to the region was asked to monitor locations of interest regularly and follow any advice given. Anyone with Covid-19 related symptoms was asked to get tested as soon as possible – even if the symptoms are mild.
Anyone with Covid-19 related symptoms in the region is encouraged to get tested – even if the symptoms are mild. Testing is available today in Rotorua and Taupō. Check the Healthpoint website for details.
Testing
Yesterday, 409 tests were carried out across the Lakes DHB region.
Across the region, 87 per cent of eligible people have had at least one dose of vaccine and 77 per cent have had two doses.
Covid-19 symptoms
• A new or worsening cough.
• A fever of at least 38C.
• Shortness of breath.
• Sore throat.
• Sneezing and runny nose.
• Temporary loss of smell.
Covid testing centres in the Bay of Plenty
Tauranga City
• Mount Maunganui Sports Centre - Corner of Maunganui & Hull Roads (10am–6pm Friday 19/11 and 10am-4pm Saturday 20/11)
Pop-up testing station at Tahatai Coast School
• Tauranga central-100 First Ave. Drive-through accessed via carpark next to Noel Leeming on Second Ave (8am–4pm, Monday–Friday)
• Tauranga Racecourse (10am–6pm Friday 19/11 and 10am–4pm Saturday 20/11)
• Accident & Healthcare -19 Second Ave (8am–6pm, seven days) This site is testing symptomatic patients and those who require clinical review only, and not those seeking 'swab only' (asymptomatic) testing.
Whakatāne District
• Whakatāne - Med Central Portacom, 52B King St (10am–4pm, Monday–Saturday)
• Murupara, Koromiko St (10am–4pm, Monday–Friday)
Rotorua and Taupō testing centres
Testing centres in Rotorua and Taupō are open daily 9am to 3pm:
Rotorua
Kahukura Rugby Sports Club, 1475 Pukuatua St.
Taupō
79 Miro St, Taupō.
Tūrangi
Tūrangi Community Health Centre, 28 Te Rangitautahanga Rd.
Saturday: 10am to 2pm.
Sunday: 11am to 1pm.
