Four of the new cases are in Whanganui city and are linked to an event in Manaia, Taranaki. They bring the number of active cases in the city to five.
The fifth new case is in Marton and is linked to the initial cluster discovered at the weekend. Marton now has 21 active cases, connected with James Cook primary school and an undisclosed workplace.
The Whanganui DHB said testing in Marton was available today by appointment at one GP clinic, the Stewart Street Medical Clinic.
Appointments could also be made to be tested in Bulls at the Bulls Medical Centre.
The initial five cases in Marton were confirmed on Saturday and Sunday. Targeted testing of close contacts, workplaces and a school was carried out on Monday and Tuesday.
The DHB's Covid-19 testing team said community testing did not begin until Tuesday because of wild weather.
"Testing was set for over the weekend but due to the extreme weather warnings and road closures in the district unfortunately the clinics were postponed at Civil Defence's direction. Safety for community and staff must come first."
Community testing was offered on Tuesday and Wednesday at Marton's Memorial Hall at clinics set up by iwi collective Te Ranga Tupua and iwi health provider Te Kōtuku Hauora, and the DHB and Whanganui iwi provider Tūpoho Social Services had worked closely with the school community to ensure it had access to testing.
A Marton resident, who asked not to be named, said a lack of information on the outbreak and measures to contain it was causing high levels of concern in the community.
"A lot of people are finding it very frustrating here because it seems we've got no testing station in Marton. If there is a station, we don't know where it is. We are asking for the information, but there is a lack of communication and people are worried.
"We had 20 new cases confirmed yesterday – it doubled overnight. People are asking where can I be tested?
"And the DHB is saying no places of interest are being reported now, but on the government website other areas are still reporting places of interest.
"Who's running this show?"
She said the community also needs information on what financial support might be available for those required to isolate.
"Otherwise, those that can't afford not to work are not going to get tested.
"I feel for the people in our community. They're not rich, many can't afford fuel to be tested in Palmerston North or Whanganui – many don't have a car. It's shocking that we can't find places to be tested in our own community."
The DHB said all information on testing could be found on its webpage and Facebook page.
In Whanganui, testing is being done at the assessment centre in the grounds of the Whanganui Hospital from 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm at the weekend. Hours may be extended if needed.
The DHB did not respond when asked how many children are among the confirmed cases.
It says all cases are isolating at home supported by Public Health units, close contacts are being contacted and tested, and there is no shortage of tests available. Anyone with symptoms including a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing or a sore throat should isolate and arrange to be tested.
