Covid 19 Omicron outbreak: Exposure event at Tauranga Hospital, two patients positive

A Covid-19 exposure event has been identified at Tauranga Hospital's Orthopaedic Ward involving 68 people, with two patients so far testing positive for the virus.

The event was identified yesterday, Bay of Plenty District Health Board said in a statement today.

"Tauranga Hospital has been preparing for possible cases of Covid-19, and had a number of precautions in place to minimise the risk of the virus spreading in the workplace, like wearing appropriate PPE and following the best-practice infection control processes," the DHB said.

"As a prudent measure, at 1pm yesterday the hospital's Orthopaedic Ward was immediately closed to new admissions and visitors, although the risk to Tauranga Hospital staff and operations was considered low."

The DHB said, of the 68 people identified as contacts, 42 were staff who completed a RAT test and all tests came back negative.

The staff members will monitor themselves for symptoms of Covid-19.

"Of the 24 patients, 21 returned negative PCR tests, and one refused a swab – this patient is in isolation and being treated as if Covid-19 positive.

"Two patients returned positive PCR tests and are also in isolation and receiving treatment for Covid-19. The patients in isolation are in the new negative pressure ward recently opened for patients."

The DHB said the Orthopaedic Ward reopened for admissions and visitors later last night, after the results of the 68 people were known.

"As the Omicron outbreak grows, it's not unexpected to see more exposure events in the community and workplaces – including increasing numbers of close contacts who need to be tested."

Dr Kate Grimwade led the investigation undertaken by Infection Control medical staff.

Acting Chief Operating Officer Bronwyn Anstis said she was incredibly pleased with the speed with which the staff identified and managed the event.

"We're very grateful to our amazing staff for the work they are doing at this time to care for the people of our community and help keep everybody safe."

Anstis also thanked PathLab for urgently processing the PCR tests.

As community cases spike, the Bay of Plenty DHB has announced more drive-through vaccinations and boosters available this weekend.

First, second, and third doses will be available at the Tauranga Racecourse on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

They are also available at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall on Saturday and the Kawerau Ron Hardie Recreation Centre on Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

The Ministry of Health has urged people to get boosted, as they have evidence three doses provide the best protection against Omicron.

Around 35 per cent of those eligible for boosters in the Bay have not yet had them, according to the DHB.

Earlier today, one person was confirmed to have died at Tauranga hospital with Covid-19.

MP for the Bay of Plenty Todd Muller and his wife Michelle offered their condolences to the family of the deceased.

Muller said he was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"Michelle and I join no doubt many of us thinking of that family tonight.

"These are tough times, but if we keep looking after our family and our next-door neighbours, we will get through this."

Tauranga Commission chair Anne Tolley also offered her condolences.

"While our health authorities have long told us that we can expect fatalities from Covi, dealing with that reality is dreadfully hard and our thoughts are with the family at this time.

She urged the public to continue following Covid-19 protocols to protect themselves.

"It's not too late to get boosted or vaccinated – it will reduce the likelihood of serious illness or hospitalisation.

"For the foreseeable future, we need to look after ourselves, our families, friends and neighbours and be kind to those around us.

"Kia kaha everyone."