‘Virus spreading’ in Tairāwhiti as positive cases confirmed outside established clusters

Tairāwhiti has 13 new cases as the Covid-19 virus continues to spread but there are no plans to extend testing in the district.

“There are now positive cases outside of our established clusters,” a Hauora Tairāwhiti spokesman said. “The pattern shows the virus is spreading.”

In total, there are 82 active cases, one of whom is in hospital. The rest are in isolation while 24 people have recovered.

“Test results received so far indicate there hasn't been any transmission from school contacts at Gisborne Girls' High, Awapuni primary or Campion College, where students have tested positive.”

As demand for testing continues to rise, Hauora Tairāwhiti chief executive Jim Green is calling on the community to only get tested if they have flu-like symptoms, are a close contact of a positive case or have been asked by public health to get tested.

However, despite some people saying they waited three hours to get a test at the Watson Park station, Mr Green says there are no plans to increase testing times at this stage.

The Watson Park drive-through testing station will continue to operate from 9am to midday, seven days a week.

“There are a number of actions which will help us reduce waiting times.

“People should only get tested if they are symptomatic or if they are a close contact or asked to by a school or public health.

“We are still seeing too many people who are getting tested who are asymptomatic and not associated to a positive case.”

Mr Green said people could speed up the amount of time testing took in other ways.

“When lining up for a test, have your NHI number ready.”

People could get their number from a prescription or prescription receipt, a prescription medicine bottle label, a hospital letter, an X-ray or test result or by checking their profile on the online patient portal provided by their general practice.

“If you can't find your NHI, your general practice or pharmacist may be able to assist.”