Coromandel MP Scott Simpson urged people to wear masks, wash hands, social distance and get tested if they have any symptoms, and is encouraging everyone to get double vaccinated if they are not already.
"The nature of the way Covid is spreading through New Zealand means we were always going to have a case of Covid in our community sooner or later," said Simpson.
"Ours is a community which has many elderly members, some of them will be worried about what this outbreak will mean for them. The best advice I can offer them is to ensure they take all practicable steps to stay safe and healthy."
Te Korowai set up a drive-through testing and vaccinating service at Rhodes Park, Thames, for testing and vaccinations over the weekend following the announcement of a positive case in Thames.
Vaccination rates as at November 16 show that of Thames South's 2948 residents, 2526 have had one vaccine and 2278 both. Of Thames Central's 990 population, 862 have had one jab and 773 had both. Thames Coast population of 1517, 1317 had received a single jab and 1200 both. Kauaeranga's 494 population had 94 people still to receive any vaccine. Of Whangamata's 3586 people, 3113 had a single dose and 2833 a double. Pauanui's 849 people, 751 had a single jab and 693 a double. Of Tairua's 1329 people, 1020 were double jabbed and 1128 had a single dose.
The Ministry of Health had not, as of Monday this week, published any locations of interest at www.health.govt.nz.
There were 2106 tests processed in Waikato yesterday and 639 vaccinations. The Waikato region passed 90 per cent first doses on Sunday.
Public health staff are now supporting 145 cases to isolate at home in the Waikato region.
Rebecca Townsend thanked the team who show up each Sunday to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations to the Whangamata Community.
"They have been working tirelessly every weekend since the beginning of August," says Townsend.
The team had administered over 5500 vaccinations, usually averaging between 200 and 500 people each Sunday. The drive-through proved an efficient and streamlined system.
She said local businesses and community were supportive of the drive-through clinics.
"We would like to encourage anyone who still needs a vaccination to come down on Sunday and see our friendly team. Even if you are unsure, please feel free to come along and have a chat. We will be open 10am to 12pm."
The last clinic for the year will be on December 5.
New figures from the holiday home management firm Bachcare show a 108 per cent increase in bookings by Aucklanders last week compared with the week before - the busiest week since lockdown began in August.
At the same time, local organisations are dealing with what appears to be small numbers of staff losses from the vaccine mandate.
Moana House in Whangamata will be advertising after losing five staff who have chosen not to vaccinate. The aged care facility has 64 staff in total.
Whangamata Area School principal and Kahui Ako leader Alistair Luke said he was not aware of any schools in his community of learning that were operationally vulnerable from the mandate but there had been losses and these had taken an emotional toll.
"Without doubt it's been an emotionally taxing time for everyone."
The school of 65 staff had lost a "small number" of staff.
"It would be naive to think it hasn't had an impact on school communities, we are in unprecedented times and there's been an unprecedented response from a health point of view.
"Some jobs can be reoriented but there's others where that's extremely challenging."
He said student-teacher ratios would not be affected.
Tairua School has had no resignations as a result of the mandate, but one staff member is on leave until the end of the year.
