Southland MP Joseph Mooney told southern communities is to stay safe and look after each other following yesterday’s announcement of a three-day national lockdown.

"The threat the Delta variant poses to the safety of New Zealand’s communities is a significant one," he says.

"Of course it is vital that all of us in the south abide by the level 4 restrictions.

"The Delta variant has travelled quickly across Australia recently and the results in states like New South Wales have been devastating.”

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Mooney says looking out for each other, especially the elderly and those in vulnerable situations is essential.

"It’s the southern way to look out for your family, your friends and your neighbours.

"Our communities showed incredible kindness during last year’s lockdowns and I am sure it will be on show again.

"I encourage anyone needing support to reach out, though we may be socially distanced no one should feel isolated.”

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Mooney says that message is a vital one for rural communities.

"The timing of the lockdown will put more pressure on the Dairy Farming sector with calving well underway on many farms in the south.

"Calving is such a busy time of year and these farms were already under pressure with recent labour shortages having added to that.

"My message to each farm is to look out for the members of your team and keep in touch with your neighbours.

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"This applies to all farmers and their workers who will be busy feeding stock and looking after their operations while also having to consider the lockdown protocols.”

There are many avenues for help if it's needed through organisations like Dairy NZ and the Rural Support Trust.

“Of course my offices are only a phone call away.”

The move to Alert Level 4 means changes to the way Southern DHB Hospitals will be providing care over the next few days.

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"Our priority is the safety of our patients and staff and we are putting well prepared plans in place,” says Southern DHB Chief Executive, Chris Fleming.

"Our healthcare facilities remain open and the public should seek medical care if they need it."

Hospital appointments

A move to Alert level 4 means the majority of scheduled surgeries and outpatient appointments will be postponed for the next three days and will then be reassessed depending on any changes to Alert Levels. This includes home visits from community teams. If you are a member of the public with a scheduled surgery or outpatient appointment in the next three days this is postponed unless you are contacted by the DHB.

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Visitors

Under Alert Level 4 no visitors are allowed in our hospitals unless on compassionate grounds. Visitors who believe they should be able to visit on these grounds are asked to discuss this with the Charge Nurse Manager on the ward. 

Children in hospital

If a child is being assessed, treated or has been admitted to hospital, one parent may stay in hospital with them. 

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COVID-19 vaccination programme

The COVID-19 vaccination programme is suspended for 48 hours. If you have an appointment in the next three days please do not attend. We will provide more information about rebooking in coming days.

COVID -19 Testing

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms please contact your GP or call 0800 VIRUS-19 (0800 847 8719). There is capacity for testing and more testing sites will be opened if required. Please do not attend the Emergency Department to seek a test.

Visited Auckland or the Coromandel since Thursday 12 August

Please check the Ministry of Health website for places of interest and follow advice if you have visited any of these sites.

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Alert Level 4 advice

• Everyone must now stay home.
• From 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 August you can only leave home to shop for groceries, access necessary healthcare, get a COVID-19 test, exercise in your local area or go to work if you are working in an Alert Level 4 service, and you cannot work from home.
• Only make physical contact with those in your household bubble.