COVID-19 might have been eliminated in New Zealand "for now" but southern hospitals are remaining vigilant as restrictions are lifted and the country moved to Alert Level 1.

In a statement, the Southern District Health Board cautions we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and urges hospital visitors to continue to exercise caution and good habits.

Specifically, visitors will be asked not to enter hospitals if they have any of the following symptoms:

• a cough
• a sore throat
• a runny nose
• sneezing
• aches
• fever
• diarrhoea
• vomiting

Visiting hours will remain from 2pm until 6pm at both Dunedin and Southland Hospitals. This will be reviewed over the next couple of weeks. Most entrances to the hospital will be opening over the next couple of days. 

To help visitors keep a track of where they have been, QR codes for the NZ COVID Tracer app will be posted in the hospitals over the next few days for visitors to scan. Visitors who don’t have a smartphone are asked to keep a paper diary.

"We’re encouraging visitors to download the government's NZ COVID Tracer app if they have a smartphone."

Patients who have hospital appointments are also asked not to come in if they are unwell. If this applies to you, please phone the department to let them know and seek advice from your GP or Healthline - 0800 611 116, or for COVID health advice - 0800 358 5453.