Omicron on rise here

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Another 61 cases of Covid-19 were reported yesterday, as the number of people dying with Covid here rises to 21.

“We had 73 cases of Covid reported on Friday, 36 on Saturday and 35 cases on Sunday,” a Health NZ Tairawhiti spokeswoman said.

“There are currently four people in hospital with Covid-19.

“We have high rates of Omicron BA.5 in our community, which is a strain of Covid that is ‘catchier' than any other. As many travelled over the school holidays, and mixed and mingled, we can expect to see cases rise.

“Covid-19 transmits when people breathe in air contaminated by droplets and small airborne particles containing the virus. The risk of breathing these in is highest when people are in close proximity to each other, and this is why it is important to wear a mask.

“If you test positive for Covid-19 please remember to log your positive result on the My Covid app or call 0800 222 478. Someone from the Takatū team will then give you a call to check on your wellbeing.

“Anyone who needs advice for non-urgent flu-related health issues can now call 0800 TAKATU to talk to local Tairāwhiti health professionals. Most people with the flu and respiratory illnesses won't need to be seen by a doctor, however, people need the right advice on how to take care of themselves and loved ones which you can get with this free local service.”

The Ministry of Health yesterday confirmed another person here had died with Covid-19.

Ministry figures show a total of 21 people in Tairawhiti have died with Covid since the start of the Omicron outbreak.