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Key Messages from Southern DHB

• If you haven't gone to get your booster vaccination yet, get it now. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build full protection against COVID-19, so the time to act is now. 
• If you test positive on a RAT test you do not need to have that confirmed by PCR – you are a case. Please update your My COVID Record with your result. Call 0800 222 478, option 3, if you need any support to do this. This service is available from 8am – 8pm daily.  
• If you receive a text notification that you are positive, please do the online survey in the link you receive in the text message as soon as possible. This will ensure you can receive the appropriate care and support when you need it. Please be aware that, after filling in your My COVID Record with your positive RAT result, there can be a 24-hour delay before you receive this text message. 
• Make sure you and your family have a plan to self-isolate or care for vulnerable family members in case this is needed. Start to have these conversations now – before you need to have them.  

Hospitalisation figures 

Current hospitalisations as at 8am, 17 March 2022  

Sixteen patients will COVID-19 are currently in southern hospitals. Of the 11 in Dunedin, 1 is in a ICU/HDU ward for reasons other than COVID-19. Four patients with COVID-19 Hospital are in Southland hospital while 1 is in Lakes Distreict hospital.

Please note that hospitalisation data does not differentiate between patients admitted because of COVID-19 infection versus those admitted for a separate reason who happen to also have COVID-19. 

Please note that the ICU patient in Dunedin Hospital is incidental, meaning they are in ICU for other reasons but happen to also be COVID-19 positive.  

The Ministry of Health total figures for Southern for the previous 24 hours are: 

• 1220 new positive cases  

• 18,026 total cases (last 90 days)   

Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website.  

If you have any questions about COVID-19, self-isolation, or what you need to do if you test positive, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. 

If you are self-isolating and require welfare support such as help getting groceries, please call 0800 512 337.  

For help accessing Covid-19 testing in the Southern region and to find your nearest testing center please call the WellSouth call center on 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719).  

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.