The Southern District Health Board is urging people who are using their time at home to catch up on do-it-yourself projects, to take care.

Just one week into the Level 4 lockdown, the Southern DHB has already noted an increase in the number of orthopaedic presentations related to DIY activity around the home.

It has issued a statement reminding everyone to take care when undertaking DIY tasks and when using power tools, and to ensure the correct safety equipment is used.

"Since the lockdown began, Southland Hospital has noted at least 15 incidents where patients have presented at ED with injuries related to DIY and required surgery."

The injuries included: lacerations with nerve and tendon involvement, fractured finger bones, and nail bed injuries.

Southland Hospital staff say that while records are not normally kept on DIY incidents requiring surgery, the increase since the lockdown began has been noticeable. They are asking home handy-people to take care, and use safety equipment to make sure they get through the weekend and the rest of the lockdown uninjured.