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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.

The situation in Southern 

The Southern district did a great job of pulling together and getting double vaccinated. Over 97% of our community have now received a double dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. Currently 75% of those eligible for their booster dose have received it.  

If you received your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination more than 3 months ago, and are over the age of 18, you are eligible to get your booster dose. Do not delay, get it today.  

“For many people, an Omicron infection will be mild,” says Dr Susan Jack, Medical Officer of Health. “But the reason for a mild illness is because of having received a booster vaccine. Having your booster vaccine doesn't just mean you are more likely to have a mild illness, it decreases the likelihood that you will end up in hospital because of COVID-19 infection.”  

If you haven't yet gone to get your booster dose, now is the time to get it. Don't be complacent. Even though restrictions are being loosened, COVID-19 and Omicron are still very real viruses. The best way to protect yourself and your whānau is to get vaccinated and boosted. 

Hospitalisation figures 

 Current hospitalisations as at 8am 4th April 2022 

There are currently 17 inpatients in Dunedin hospital (1 in ICU/HDU) and 13 in Southland hospital. No Covid-19 patients are currently being ventilated. 

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. 

 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.