“To the hundreds of people in Tairāwhiti who are in isolation, thank you for the sacrifice you are making to keep others safe.”
A Ministry of Health spokesperson told The Gisborne Herald cases here were tracking “below projections”, unlike most of New Zealand where cases were tracking between the predicted “medium” and “high” scenarios nationally.
However, cases would grow.
“Once the outbreak takes hold in Tairāwhiti it is expected that cases could reach 250 a day within a few weeks.”
Hauroa Tairāwhiti confirmed 2300 RATs were distributed from the Salvation Army yesterday.
RAT tests are available to anyone with symptoms or household contacts of positive cases and can be collected on behalf of someone else.
“You need their NHI numbers or names and dates of birth,” a Hauora Tairāwhiti spokesman said.
“RAT tests are available to all ages from six months old.
“The Salvation Army is open from 10am to 2pm daily for RAT collection. Call Te Puia Springs Hospital for testing information if you live on the Coast. Please take your NHI (patient) number.
If you test positive from a RAT test, you are classified as positive for Covid-19 and don't need a follow-up PCR nasal swab at Watson Park or Te Puia Springs Hospital. For support, go online to covid19.health.nz/advice/positive
■ For where to get vaccinated go online to bit.ly/3o38iZP
■ For where to get tested go online to bit.ly/3Brsyd8
■ For a Covid plan, go to www.covid19.govt.nz/be-prepared
