The number of COVID-19 cases is expected to grow in the coming days and weeks but Southern District Health Board Medical Officer of Health Dr Susan Jack is reminding people there is not need to stockpile medication.

“Pharmacists have been very busy filling repeat prescriptions, please request refills only when you would normally do so,” she said.

Southern DHB continues to remind the public that the best way they can help with the COVID-19 response is to:

• Keep two metres physical distance from others
• Stay home to avoid exposure to illness
• Practice good personal hygiene and cleaning practices

More Southern DHB COVID-19 cases are expected to be confirmed in coming days as New Zealanders return home from overseas and as a result of exposure at the World Hereford Conference. Public Health staff are working very hard at identifying close contacts of these cases and providing advice and thank everyone for their cooperation and assistance.

Meanwhile, the Southern DHB is not allowing visitors to Dunedin, Southland and Lakes District Hospitals except on compassionate grounds. Visitors allowed on compassionate grounds are limited to those residing in the patient’s household. Exceptions may be made to the household rule for those patients who live alone and have limited access to alternative support networks.

All visitors are being assessed through a series of questions for COVID -19 at the hospital entrance and their details are recorded. If they are unwell, they are not able to visit.