Contacts of Wellington Covid-19 case isolating in Ōtaki – risk deemed low

MidCentral DHB has set up a testing station in Ōtaki.

Regional Public Health (RPH) has confirmed that there are contacts of a confirmed Covid-19 case who are self-isolating as a precaution in Otaki.

"With the need to respect individual privacy and as we consider that the overall risk to public health for the Ōtaki community is low – these are contacts who are self-isolating and not confirmed cases – we are unable to provide further comment."

RPH and the Ministry of Health has made contact with all close and casual contacts who need to self-isolate within the greater Wellington region. Of nine close contacts identified from flight NZ457 from Auckland to Wellington on Thursday evening, all have been tested and all results are negative.

"As there was a link from one of the contacts to Ōtaki College, on Monday, November 9, RPH was in contact with the college to advise that anyone feeling unwell or showing flu-like symptoms should stay home and contact Healthline or their GP. This step was taken to keep our communities informed and in doing so reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection in our region."

MidCentral DHB have set-up a pop-up Covid-19 testing centre (CBAC) at 8-10 Rangatira Street, Otaki. Again, this measure has been taken as a precaution to provide the community with the opportunity to be tested if they feel that they are at risk of being exposed to Covid-19 or have Covid-19 symptoms.

This is also a continuation of ongoing surveillance testing in the community. The CBAC has been open on Monday from 1 to 5pm, and on Tuesday from 9am to 4pm.

"We would like to reassure the community that the risks to individuals being exposed to Covid-19 in this instance are low, as self-isolation processes have been well-established with all contacts of the case in our region.

"However, if people in the community do feel unwell, please contact Healthline or your GP to check if a test for Covid-19 is required," the RPH said.