Still only two active Covid cases in Gisborne

ON DUTY: Covid testers gave up their precious time on Christmas Day (pictured) and again on Boxing Day, Monday and Tuesday, to man the testing site in Peel Street, in the wake of the two confirmed cases of Delta that arose on Friday. All tests done have come back negative. Picture by Murray Robertson

Gisborne still has only two active cases of Covid-19 Delta in the community, with no further positive tests since the two late last week, and those two people have again been thanked for their actions.

The pair live in the same house, where they have been quarantined since their positive results came through last Thursday and Friday.

Contact tracers worked tirelessly over the Christmas/Boxing Day four day period to find people who may have been exposed after the Tairāwhiti residents were diagnosed with the virus, said Hauora Tairāwhiti acting chief executive Carl McDonald.

Their cases have been linked to the Gisborne person diagnosed with it in Tauranga earlier in the month.

“Covid-19 is now in Gisborne and contact tracers responded quickly to limit its spread.

“When a person tests positive for the virus a team of dedicated individuals known as contact tracers is running a race each day — a combination of a sprint, relay, and a marathon, to limit the spread of the virus,” Mr McDonald said.

“I want to personally thank them for working through Christmas and Boxing Day, and also thank everyone they have spoken to, who, despite the time of the year are all cooperating and helping us curb the spread of infection.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank iwi who have mobilised to support whānau.”

Since Friday, 132 Covid-19 tests have been sent to the laboratory for sampling and they have all come back negative.

Nationally updated case numbers might not always equal the number of new cases reported locally as there is a lag in updating and reconciling numbers. Figures updated today will include the two cases currently in supported isolation in Tairāwhiti. One person with Covid-19 who normally lives in Tairāwhiti travelled out of the district on Saturday December 18. That person remains in Tauranga Hospital and has been included in the Bay of Plenty figures.

Household contacts of the two positive cases in Tairawhiti remain in home isolation.

Mr McDonald said there were no new places of interest to report as contact tracers know where the two positive cases have been and who they were with.

“Those people have been contacted,” he said.

“The two people in isolation are showing signs of the illness and are being well taken care of. They are receiving guidance and advice from their general practitioner and wrap-around support by Takatu Hub staff.

“Their household contacts are also being supported. Obviously this has been a challenging time for the family involved. Once again, we thank them for doing the right thing and getting tested.

“The efforts you have taken over the past few days, including Christmas and Boxing Day, have played a vital role in our regional effort to stamp out Covid-19.

“The messages of love and aroha we have received for the whānau during this time have been passed on.”

Anyone feeling unwell or who is a contact of the three positive cases can get tested for Covid-19 at the drive-through testing station 110 Peel St, Gisborne, 9am-12 noon, through until Friday, Mr McDonald said.

“Testing for Covid-19 is a formidable weapon against spread of the virus in this region.

“Anyone with flu-like symptoms must self-isolate ahead of getting the test and while they wait for the test result.”

Health workers want to continue to cast a wide net around the region so if anyone experiences symptoms they should get a test, he said.

“Even those with mild symptoms or who feel just slightly under the weather — take the test.”

“The most important message of all is to get vaccinated.”

Vaccinations continue today at the Community Vaccination Centre, 295 Palmerston Rd, 10am-4pm, and testing is taking place Monday to Friday, 9am-12 noon at the drive-through clinic, 110 Peel St, or at the Tawhiti Clinic, Te Puia Springs Hospital.

“Alternatively, you can contact your own general practice and they will give you advice on what to do next.”