Cases not yet linked

File image of the coronavirus.

“Follow-up work will continue. Updates on locations of interest/further cases will be provided once information is available.

“At this stage we cannot rule out wider community spread,” the statement said.

“We need to follow the advice of the Prime Minister and treat the people we are interacting with, who are outside our family bubble, as possibly infectious.”

Only four of the five cases reported locally on Thursday were declared in the Ministry of Health briefing report yesterday.

“This is simply a timing effect with when the cases are loaded into the national system and where the cut-off is for Ministry Of Health daily reporting,” Hauora Tairawhiti said.

“One of the cases reported on Thursday will now be included in Saturday's numbers for Tairāwhiti by the Ministry of Health.”

• Stay home if you are sick: If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, you should get a test. You must stay home until you get a negative result.

• Mask: Wearing your mask correctly gives you great protection when out in public. Please make sure that you use this correctly – ensuring your mask fits snugly and covers both your mouth and nose.

• Do not share air: The risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 increases the closer you are to a person and the longer you are close to that person. The risk is highest in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. The risk is lower outside when there are fewer people, and when you are further away from others. We recommend opening windows to increase fresh air flow inside.

• Hand Hygiene: Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself safe. Wash often with soap for 20 seconds. Then dry your hands completely. This kills the virus by bursting its protective bubble. Using hand sanitiser often is also effective at killing germs and viruses.

“A Booster dose will also provide even greater protection – and starting now if you are aged 18 years and over and you completed your primary course (2nd dose) 3 months ago, you are now eligible for your booster.

“Take this opportunity to better protect yourself, your whānau and our community.

“If you are going away this Waitangi weekend, please have plans in place in the event you are identified as a close contact, get Covid-19 symptoms, or find out you have Covid-19.”

The drive-through at Rugby Park 10am-1pm today and tomorrow for shots 1 and 2 and the booster. The children will be welcomed to the ‘Supershot' vax event at the War Memorial Theatre, 10-2 both days.

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Watson Park Marine Parade: 9am-1pm (enter beach side)

Your GP. Please ring first to book a time

Te Puia Hospital: 10am-12 midday (by appointment following phone Triage: call (06) 864 6803).