Southern DHB believes there may now be up to 1200 active COVID-19 cases across it's district, almost double the 690 cases officially reported today.

Labs in the district are running at capacity due to high demand for PCR tests, however changes are underway to introduce rapid antigen testing (RAT).

The SDHB urge everyone to now be vigilant when out in the community, with extra urgency needed in the south's two hotspots, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Graphic: SDHB

Changes to testing in Southern 

Labs throughout the Southern district are at capacity because so many in our community have been conscientious, community focused, and gone to get tested if they have been identified as a close contact, been at a location of interest, or have cold or flu-like symptoms.  

Thank you for getting tested and looking after your community. Because of the demand and to ensure we can offer PCR tests to our most vulnerable populations, the Southern district is introducing more widespread use of rapid antigen tests (RATs). PCR tests will still be available for those who need them.  

Some symptomatic people who go to a community testing centre will receive a RAT from now on. This will mainly include younger adults. 

If you have symptoms or have been advised to get tested, then please go to a testing centre, or call your GP to arrange a test. You will be provided with the appropriate test for you by testing staff.  

If you are not symptomatic, or are not a close contact, you do not need to get tested. Please only get tested if you are symptomatic or have been identified as a close contact. 

Due to the large demand on our labs the processing of swabs is taking time. Lab staff are doing an amazing job to process the huge demand. Please be patient in waiting for your results. Healthcare teams across the Southern district are working hard to get these to you as soon as possible.  

If you test positive for COVID-19 by taking a RAT please call 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719). This ensures you are registered as having tested positive and will mean you are linked in with all appropriate care and support that you and your family may need.  

If you test positive for COVID-19 by having a PCR test you will be sent a text message to confirm this. This text message will include a link to a form for you to fill in. Please fill this in as soon as possible. This will ensure you are linked in with the appropriate care and support you and your family need. If you do not have a cell phone you will receive a phone call. You will also receive a phone call if you do not fill in the form within 24 hours.  

Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website. 

If you have concerns about COVID-19 symptoms, please call your general practice or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 at any time. If you are very unwell or having breathing difficulties, please call 111 immediately.  

Case Numbers 

The Southern districts total active cases are not reflective of the real number of cases across the district. The Southern district, particularly Dunedin, has a large population that is registered with a general practitioner in another area of New Zealand. This links their NHI number to an address in a different area of the country meaning that the Southern districts actual case numbers are much higher than those reflected in the daily tally released by the Ministry of Health. 

It is estimated that total case numbers in the Southern district is closer to 1200.  

See graph above for details.

Close contacts 

As of 1pm Monday 21 February there are 223 close contacts isolating throughout the Southern district. 56 of these are in the Queenstown-Lakes district and 159 are in Dunedin.