With Auckland now at Alert Level 3, Southern DHB Medical Officer of Heath Dr Susan Jack is urging Southerners to remain vigilant for Covid-19 symptoms.

Anyone who with even mild symptoms should stay at home, and get tested. 

"The borders are well managed, but are not watertight," Dr Jack says. 

"Covid is a tricky virus and we can’t be complacent, so Covid-19 testing is extremely important to ensure there is no community transmission in the district."

Advertisement: Tower Lodge

Dr Jack says it is essential people follow the level 2 rules. 

"We know the Delta strain is highly infectious, and can spread by airborne transmission to infect someone within seconds.  

"So please wear a mask when you leave the house where you can’t distance, when you are in the premises where a mask is required under Alert Level 2, remember to scan everywhere you go, and don’t forget the importance of good hand hygiene. 

"All these measures will protect yourselves and others.”

Southern DHB Medical Officer of Heath Dr Susan Jack 

 Dr Jack is also urging anyone who is eligible and who hasn’t yet been vaccinated to book their first vaccination this week. 

So far 78.3% of eligible Southern residents have had their first dose of the vaccine, and 43.5% are fully vaccinated - one of the best rates in the country.

"Southerners have done a fantastic job in getting vaccinated but we need everyone who is eligible to do their bit and have the vaccine so we can get to 90% or higher as soon as possible.

"Summer is coming and we all want to enjoy it especially young people who will be looking forward to going to festivals. 

Advertisement: Southland Home Ventilation

"Young people, please go and get vaccinated if you already haven’t. You still have a bit more vaccinating to do to catch up with our older people, so if we all want to move down alert levels and enjoy summer events, the best thing you can do is get vaccinated now.

"This will help to protect ourselves and others should community transmission happen, and when we start to open up our borders. The sooner we get vaccinated the more protected our population will be to deal with outbreaks."

Anyone with symptoms should either call 0800 VIRUS-19 (0800 847 8719) or their GP to arrange a COVID-19 test. Testing is quick and it’s free.

Vaccinations are free and available to anyone in New Zealand aged 12 and over. It’s easy to book and there are lots of places to get a vaccinated. Bookings can be made online: https://bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz/ or by calling 0800 28 29 26.