Covid-19 Delta outbreak: positive case identified in Pahiatua

Pahiatua residents are encouraged to get tested if they have any symptoms. Photo / NZME

Health officials are investigating the source of infection for a Covid case In Pahiatua.

The total number of cases in the MidCentral rohe is now at five.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Health said the person in Pahiatua was self-isolating.

Initial case interviews had identified a small number of household contacts, who were isolating with tests arranged.

Wastewater samples in Pahiatua between November 15 and 18 detected the virus, except for on November 17, when it was negative.

There were seven current locations of interest across Pahiatua and Palmerston North, including New World Pahiatua.

Contact tracing showed two visits to the supermarket - on Wednesday, November 17, between 6.08pm and 7pm and on Friday, November 19, between 10.15am and 11am.

Bush Multisport Park was also named as a location of interest - the case visited on Sunday, November 21 between 11.30am and 2pm.

There were also locations in Palmerston North between November 18 and November 22 - Noel Leeming, The Warehouse, Kmart and The Plaza.

People who think they may have been exposed are told to self-monitor and if they have any symptoms to get a test.

Testing was continuing at 46 Main St, Pahiatua, on Thursday from 9.30am to 3pm and any additional testing clinics and times will be announced as they become available.

Drive-through testing is also available at 575 Main St, Palmerston North - 8am to 5pm weekdays, and 10am to 2pm weekends.

"I would encourage people to get tested, to look after and care for our community," said Tararua College teacher, Rachel Ireland.

"We would like other people to get tested, so we can see what's happening in our community," she said.

A lead tester from MidCentral District Health Board said "there has been a good response from the Pahiatua community on Thursday, and we encourage anyone with the slightest of symptoms to come and get a test".

People can also contact their GP or health provider, who will be doing Covid-19 testing.

Members of the public are advised to monitor the locations of interest page on the Ministry of Health website.