Rotorua Daily Post
  • Rotorua Daily Post home
  • Latest news
  • Business
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • Property
  • Sport
  • Video
  • Death notices
  • Classifieds

Subscriptions

  • Herald Premium
  • Viva Premium
  • The Listener
  • BusinessDesk

Sections

  • Latest news
  • On The Up
  • Business
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
    • All Lifestyle
    • Residential property listings
  • Property
    • All Property
    • Dairy farming
    • Sheep & beef farming
    • Horticulture
    • Animal health
    • Rural business
    • Rural life
    • Rural technology
  • Rural
  • Sport

Locations

  • Tauranga
  • Te Puke
  • Whakatāne
  • Rotorua
  • Tokoroa
  • Taupō & Tūrangi

Media

  • Video
  • Photo galleries
  • Today's Paper - E-Editions
  • Photo sales

Weather

  • Rotorua
  • Tauranga
  • Whakatāne
  • Tokoroa
  • Taupō

NZME Network

  • Advertise with NZME
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • BusinessDesk
  • Newstalk ZB
  • Sunlive
  • ZM
  • The Hits
  • Coast
  • Radio Hauraki
  • The Alternative Commentary Collective
  • Gold
  • Flava
  • iHeart Radio
  • Hokonui
  • Radio Wanaka
  • iHeartCountry New Zealand
  • Restaurant Hub
  • NZME Events

SubscribeSign In
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Home / Rotorua Daily Post

Covid-19 Delta outbreak: New BOP cases, two in Rotorua, staff at Tauranga Hospital stood down after exposure

Bay of Plenty Times
20 Nov, 2021 12:04 AM6 mins to read

Subscribe to listen

Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?  Sign in here

Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
‌
Save

    Share this article

Focus: NZ Delta Outbreak | Saturday 20 November
November 20 2021 There were 172 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today - and the first Wellington case has been confirmed, an essential worker from Auckland. ...
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
0:00
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Text Background
      Caption Area Background
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      Who is Miss Universe New Zealand 2025?

      UP NEXT:

      Autoplay in
      4
      Disable Autoplay
      Cancel Video
      November 20 2021 There were 172 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today - and the first Wellington case has been confirmed, an essential worker from Auckland.
      NOW PLAYING • Focus: NZ Delta Outbreak | Saturday 20 November
      November 20 2021 There were 172 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today - and the first Wellington case has been confirmed, an essential worker from Auckland. ...

      Staff have been stood down at Tauranga Hospital after a person who tested positive for Covid-19 turned up for treatment at the Emergency Department late on Saturday night.

      This comes as three new cases have been announced for the Bay of Plenty.

      There are four in neighbouring Lakes DHB, including two new cases in Rotorua.

      Of the Bay of Plenty cases, two are in Tauranga and one is Mount Maunganui which is connected to an existing case.

      The two Tauranga cases are in the same household and investigations into the source of their infection are under way.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.
      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      Public health officials deem the risk from last night's exposure event at Tauranga Hospital is low but are today carrying out further evaluations.

      One ward has been closed to both visitors and new patients out of an abundance of caution. Three staff members have been stood down as a precaution.

      Bay of plenty DHB Covid-19 Incident Controller Trevor Richardson told the Bay of Plenty Times no members of the public or patients were exposed to the infected person as airborne and isolation precautions were followed and the patient was managed accordingly.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      Richardson confirmed the Mental Health Service for Older Persons ward was closed to visitors and new patients. He said the duration of the closure will depend on clinical observation of patients over coming days. It will remain closed until further notice.

      The Bay of Plenty DHB posted to its Facebook page: "We are currently investigating possible Covid-19 exposure events at Tauranga Hospital.

      "The potential exposure is considered to be limited however, while we further evaluate the situation, one ward has been closed to both visitors and new patients. Three staff members have been stood down as a precaution.

      "The risk to patients on this ward is considered to be low and they will be monitored closely over the coming days. The closure of the ward at this time is being undertaken out of an abundance of caution.

      Discover more

      Dawn Picken: Thanks to the silent majority

      19 Nov 10:00 PM

      Covid 19: New cases in Bay, Lakes as first Tauranga locations of interest listed

      19 Nov 12:16 AM

      New locations of interest in our region - people told to self-isolate

      21 Nov 10:51 PM

      "We continue to provide the best quality care to our patients and the hospital remains open and a safe place to come. If you are ill and need our care, please do not hesitate to present to the hospital."

      In the Lakes DHB area, two of the new cases are connected to the Taupō cluster, one of which is in Rotorua Hospital.

      One case is linked to an existing case and investigations into the other case are ongoing but potential links have already been identified.

      Lakes DHB chief operating officer Alan Wilson confirmed to the Rotorua Daily Post one patient was in hospital and was following plans that were already in place for the safe care of any patient with Covid – both to avoid spread to other patients, and to keep staff safe.

      "When caring for any patient with Covid, or with a high possibility of Covid, the patient is kept in isolation from other patients - usually in the Covid Medical Ward Area, or in ICU.

      "All staff wear personal protective equipment appropriate to caring for patients with Covid, or where there is a high suspicion of Covid (until it is proven not to be Covid)."

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      For privacy reasons, the DHB would not give a condition report on the patient or their expected length of stay.

      A spokeswoman for the DHB said there was currently a no visitor restriction in place, this was actioned when the first case emerged in the Lakes DHB region. However, in certain circumstances, it did allow a support person for a patient.

      The total number of cases in Bay of Plenty is now 10 and 21 in Lakes.

      There are 172 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today in total.

      Locations of interest were released last night, including a medical centre and a supermarket in Tauranga.

      There have been no new locations of interest announced in the Bay of Plenty today, as at 1pm.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      The locations of interest stretch back to Tuesday last week, before the first Covid-positive wastewater sample was taken the following day.

      Locations of interest

      • Countdown Bethlehem, Tuesday November 9 3.05pm-4.50pm
      • The Doctors Bayfair, Wednesday November 10 9.15am-6pm
      • The Doctors Bayfair, Thursday November 11 9.15am-3pm
      • BP Connect Te Puna, Friday November 12 8.15am-9.30am
      • Bethlehem Pharmacy, Tuesday, November 9, 3.30pm-5.15pm
      • Caltex Welcome Bay, Thursday November 18, 4pm-5.30pm
      • Your Pharmacy, Thursday November 11, 12.30 pm-2pm

      The Ministry of Health instructed anyone at these locations during these periods to self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms for 10 days after the potential exposure.

      "If symptoms develop, get a test and stay at home until you get a negative test result AND until 24 hours after symptoms resolve."

      Of the new Bay of Plenty cases announced on Friday, one lives in the Tauranga area, and four are in Mount Maunganui, the Ministry of Health said.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      All but one of the above cases were household contacts of known cases.

      Links between the remaining Mount Maunganui case and known cases are still being investigated. All cases are self-isolating at home.

      As a precaution, a Bay of Plenty school, Tahatai Coast School, linked to one of the cases had been closed today and all students and staff are being offered tests.

      Interviews are continuing to determine case movements. Any locations of interest will be added to the Ministry's website as they are identified.

      The ministry said everyone who lives in or has travelled to the region was asked to monitor locations of interest regularly and follow any advice given. Anyone with Covid-19 related symptoms was asked to get tested as soon as possible – even if the symptoms are mild.

      Anyone with Covid-19 related symptoms in the region is encouraged to get tested – even if the symptoms are mild. Testing is available today in Rotorua and Taupō. Check the Healthpoint website for details.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      Testing

      Yesterday, 409 tests were carried out across the Lakes DHB region.

      Across the region, 87 per cent of eligible people have had at least one dose of vaccine and 77 per cent have had two doses.

      Covid-19 symptoms

      • A new or worsening cough.

      • A fever of at least 38C.

      • Shortness of breath.

      • Sore throat.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      • Sneezing and runny nose.

      • Temporary loss of smell.

      Covid testing centres in the Bay of Plenty

      Tauranga City

      • Mount Maunganui Sports Centre - Corner of Maunganui & Hull Roads (10am–6pm Friday 19/11 and 10am-4pm Saturday 20/11)

      Pop-up testing station at Tahatai Coast School

      • Tauranga central-100 First Ave. Drive-through accessed via carpark next to Noel Leeming on Second Ave (8am–4pm, Monday–Friday)

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      • Tauranga Racecourse (10am–6pm Friday 19/11 and 10am–4pm Saturday 20/11)

      • Accident & Healthcare -19 Second Ave (8am–6pm, seven days) This site is testing symptomatic patients and those who require clinical review only, and not those seeking 'swab only' (asymptomatic) testing.

      Whakatāne District

      • Whakatāne - Med Central Portacom, 52B King St (10am–4pm, Monday–Saturday)

      • Murupara, Koromiko St (10am–4pm, Monday–Friday)

      Rotorua and Taupō testing centres

      Testing centres in Rotorua and Taupō are open daily 9am to 3pm:

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      Rotorua

      Kahukura Rugby Sports Club, 1475 Pukuatua St.

      Taupō

      79 Miro St, Taupō.

      Tūrangi

      Tūrangi Community Health Centre, 28 Te Rangitautahanga Rd.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      Saturday: 10am to 2pm.
      Sunday: 11am to 1pm.

      Covid
      Save

        Share this article

      Latest from Rotorua Daily Post

      live
      Rotorua Daily Post

      Wild weather set to ease across the country, clean-up efforts begin

      11 Jul 06:00 PM
      Rotorua Daily Post

      'Merry hell' in Mamaku: Village held 'to ransom' by hoons

      11 Jul 06:00 PM
      Rotorua Daily Post

      Bay home crowd rallies behind netball's Magic

      11 Jul 05:00 PM

      From early mornings to easy living

      sponsored
      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.
      Recommended for you
      Wild weather set to ease across the country, clean-up efforts begin
      New Zealand

      Wild weather set to ease across the country, clean-up efforts begin

      11 Jul 06:00 PM
      St John defends decision not to send ambulance to toddler who broke jaw in fall
      Hawkes Bay Today

      St John defends decision not to send ambulance to toddler who broke jaw in fall

      11 Jul 06:00 PM
      Green light for fires on Napier beaches after council quietly revokes bylaw
      Hawkes Bay Today

      Green light for fires on Napier beaches after council quietly revokes bylaw

      11 Jul 06:00 PM
      ‘World-class performer’: Ajaz Patel thrown Black Caps lifeline by new coach
      Black Caps

      ‘World-class performer’: Ajaz Patel thrown Black Caps lifeline by new coach

      11 Jul 06:00 PM
      'Powerful example': Mum overcomes addiction to build a life helping others
      Bay of Plenty Times

      'Powerful example': Mum overcomes addiction to build a life helping others

      11 Jul 06:00 PM

      Latest from Rotorua Daily Post

      Wild weather set to ease across the country, clean-up efforts begin
      live

      Wild weather set to ease across the country, clean-up efforts begin

      11 Jul 06:00 PM

      The North Island is expected to get off to a wet start this morning, with lingering rain.

      'Merry hell' in Mamaku: Village held 'to ransom' by hoons

      'Merry hell' in Mamaku: Village held 'to ransom' by hoons

      11 Jul 06:00 PM
      Bay home crowd rallies behind netball's Magic

      Bay home crowd rallies behind netball's Magic

      11 Jul 05:00 PM
      Tearful hunter admits shooting and killing friend

      Tearful hunter admits shooting and killing friend

      11 Jul 05:00 PM
      Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky
      sponsored

      Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky

      NZ Herald
      • About NZ Herald
      • Meet the journalists
      • Newsletters
      • Classifieds
      • Help & support
      • Contact us
      • House rules
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of use
      • Competition terms & conditions
      • Our use of AI
      Subscriber Services
      • Rotorua Daily Post e-edition
      • Manage your print subscription
      • Manage your digital subscription
      • Subscribe to Herald Premium
      • Subscribe to the Rotorua Daily Post
      • Gift a subscription
      • Subscriber FAQs
      • Subscription terms & conditions
      • Promotions and subscriber benefits
      NZME Network
      • Rotorua Daily Post
      • The New Zealand Herald
      • The Northland Age
      • The Northern Advocate
      • Waikato Herald
      • Bay of Plenty Times
      • Hawke's Bay Today
      • Whanganui Chronicle
      • Viva
      • NZ Listener
      • Newstalk ZB
      • BusinessDesk
      • OneRoof
      • Driven Car Guide
      • iHeart Radio
      • Restaurant Hub
      NZME
      • About NZME
      • NZME careers
      • Advertise with NZME
      • Digital self-service advertising
      • Book your classified ad
      • Photo sales
      • NZME Events
      • © Copyright 2025 NZME Publishing Limited
      TOP
      search by queryly Advanced Search