Tairāwhiti has a probable case of COVID-19.
Across the four cases we now have in Tairāwhiti (3 confirmed cases already reported, and today’s probable case), there is a link to overseas travel, says Hauora Tairāwhiti’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Osman David Mansoor. For two of these people, there was international travel before the lockdown period, and the remaining two are close contacts of international travellers. None of these cases are connected to the repatriation flight. All four individuals concerned have strictly adhered to self-isolation protocols: there is no evidence of community transmission or spread beyond their respective bubbles.”
For the probable case that is being reported today, the person is a woman in her 40s.
Public health has quickly investigated the circumstances and her contacts during incubation to identify the source of the virus. “The place of infection was overseas.”
“The woman has been in strict self-isolation before the lockdown and she has had no close contacts outside of her bubble. Groceries have been delivered to her door and she has not left her property since lockdown.”
“Transmission has been within bubbles, not spreading further. This is what the self-isolation and lockdown requirements are designed to do and, thanks to the efforts of these people, the virus has been prevented from spreading in Tairāwhiti”.
While having new cases in the community is concerning, it is not unexpected, Dr Mansoor confirmed. “The fact that more cases would be identified has always been a reality. As the symptoms can take two weeks to develop, and then pass between household members (with some having very minimal symptoms), it is not unexpected to have new cases occurring in the later stages of lockdown. This is also occurring elsewhere in New Zealand and is why we are all in lockdown for a minimum of four weeks.”
No further details will be shared about any of the current cases in Tairawhiti, other than when we can confirm their recovery from COVID-19, says Hauora Tairāwhiti Chief Executive Jim Green. “We must protect the right to privacy of people we are caring for and ensure that our community remains confident that we treat everybody’s health information as confidential.”
“We are so fortunate that all the people in Tairāwhiti who have received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis have adhered to strict self-isolation. In doing so they have protected us all.”
“However, we don’t know for sure if COVID-19 is in our community from other sources. “That is the reason it is so important for us all to stay in our bubble and get tested if we have any symptoms.”
“Anyone of us could have the virus and not be aware of it. If you have a cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of smell and taste you should arrange to be tested, and remain in isolation at home while awaiting the results.
“People who get tested are our heroes. While testing rates in Tairāwhiti have doubled in recent weeks (512 tests completed as of 15 April), we still need to do more. It has been concerning to see negative comments made on social media about people who have done the right thing every step of the way. If this puts even one person off getting tested it is a tragedy.”
Phoning your GP is the best way to arrange testing. They can refer you to one of the three testing centres; the War Memorial Theatre Assessment Centre, the Te Puia Hospital Assessment Centre, or the Waikohu Clinic in Te Karaka. The War Memorial Centre is also able to see people who turn up without a GP referral at certain times of the day: 9-11am and 1-3pm for the general public.
All assessments for potential COVID symptoms, either by phone or at the assessment centres, are free.
The assessment centres have been designed to keep people with COVID-19 symptoms away from people using regular health services. This ensures your GP clinic and the hospital remain safe places to be seen if you have other health concerns. Don’t hesitate to phone your GP if you have any worries about your health: they will be able to give you advice over the phone and arrange to see you in person if needed.
For more information covid19.govt.nz
For information on health services available in Tairāwhiti during Alert Level 4 covid19tairawhiti.org.nz
Updated case information is available here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-current-cases
What is a probable case of COVID-19?
The Ministry of Health definition is:
- A case that meets the clinical criteria where other known aetiologies (cause of) that fully explain the clinical presentation have been excluded and either has laboratory suggestive evidence or for whom testing for COVID-19 is inconclusive
- OR a is a negative result but a public health risk assessment indicates they should be classified as a probable case.