The Southern District Health Board area now has the second highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, behind Auckland.

The Southern DHB covers the entire area south of the Waitaki River.

As at 9am this morning, there were 83 new cases confirmed nationwide over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed and probable cases to 451, 59 of which are in the Southern DHB area.

Fifty individuals are confirmed to have recovered.

There are 12 people in hospital with COVID-19 throughout the country, including one in Dunedin Hospital. Two patients are in intensive care.

Eighteen confirmed cases and one probable have been linked to exposure at the World Hereford Conference in Queenstown earlier this month.

Today’s briefing was addressed by the COVID-19 response All of Government Controller John Ombler and the Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management Sarah Stuart-Black.

Ms Stuart-Black urged New Zealanders to be kind to one another through this difficult period. It had been concerning to see, particularly on social media, reports of abuse to people with confirmed with COVID-19.

“There’s a high level of anxiety in the community and it’s just not acceptable to be attacking people that have been caught up in the pandemic,” she said.

“We want those with the symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested so we can manage this outbreak and recognise the clusters of transmission and stop them from spreading. Please don’t make this any harder for people to be able to seek the help that they need to be identified as having COVID-19.”

“We need to look out for each other now more than ever, to unite against COVID-19.”

Mr Ombler said with the country now into its first weekend under Level 4 lockdown, it was timely to remind people that this weekend is very different from usual.

“It’s important for everyone to stay home and save lives – New Zealanders and visitors alike.”

“You may be tempted to leave the house but you can home leave home for essential reasons and for physical exercise by yourself or with the other people in your house – stick to your bubble.”

Here are Mr Ombler’s Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to weekend activities:

• Do go for a short run or walk in your neighbourhood.
• Don’t drive to the beach.
• Don’t park outside your neighbourhood.
• Don’t go to playgrounds.
• Don’t drive outside your neighbourhood unless for essential reasons.
• Avoid going distances – tramping, fishing hunting, surfing, swimming and other activities at a distance from home. Emergency services are needed to respond to the COVID-19, please help them by reducing the chance of any other issues.
• Try to avoid long lines at the supermarket.
• Shop for essentials only.
• Choose one person to do the shopping. If another has to drive, leave them waiting in the car until the shopper comes back to the car.
• Don’t play touch rugby or throw frisbees or balls outside of those in your bubble.
• Don’t travel outside of your neighbourhood to baches or second homes.
• If you’re outside your home, keep physical distance from other people – give them 2m of space. If someone asks you for more space, give it to them.
• Pack your own groceries and keep a distance with trolleys.
• Maintain good hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly, particularly after a trip to the supermarket; if you are coughing, do it into your elbow; regularly clean surfaces and frequently touched items; avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes and nose.
• Avoid public spaces.
• Don’t touch surfaces others may have touched.
• Public transport is available for people who do not have other options for people to access essential services, including going to the supermarket and pharmacy. After touching surfaces on public transport, make sure you sanitise your hands.
• Domestic travel around New Zealand, outside your location, is banned except for essential business and essential workers.
• If you’re sick, stay home, don’t go out.
• You can only be in physical contact with those in your bubble – those you live with.

Current confirmed cases can be found HERE

View the full briefing below