The first days of lockdown have proved busy for those testing for Covid-19, recent data from the Lakes District Health Board shows.
Long lines of vehicles were queued at a Rotorua Covid-19 testing station yesterday and queues were growing at the site Friday morning.
A total of 530 covid tests were taken in the Lakes District Health Board area on Thursday. 325 swabs were taken in Rotorua and 178 in Taupō. A total of 316 swabs were taken on Wednesday.
In comparison, 278 people were tested at the community centre in Rotorua and 177 in Taupō during the period of July 19 through to August 15.
The data does not include tests taken at Managed Isolation and Quarantine facilities in Rotorua.
"In response to the higher volume, opening hours have been extended at both these centres from 9am to 4pm, Thursday and Friday and 9am to 3pm on the weekend. We are monitoring these testing numbers, with the view to look at additional testing capacity," the spokeswoman said.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield confirmed at the 1pm press briefing that wastewater sampling taken from Rotorua, among other centres across the country, on Monday and Tuesday had returned negative results for Covid-19.
There are
now 22 confirmed Delta Covid cases
in Auckland.
A Rotorua Daily Post photographer estimated at least 80 cars were waiting at the centre at the Kahukura Rugby Club on Pukuatua St at lunchtime on Thursday.
"It's crazy down here. The cars are lining both sides of the road. Yesterday about 50 cars were waiting so there is definitely a lot more here today," he said.
Lakes District Health Board said testing centres were open today from 9am to 4pm at the Kahukura Rugby Sports Club in Rotorua and at 79 Miro St in Taupō.
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Police have said he was evading arrest, but a family member disputed that.