Four new cases in Nelson Tasman over the long weekend
Case Update:
- New cases – Four new cases in Nelson Tasman since our last announcement on Friday 28 January
- One case transferred from Timaru and announced by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on Sunday 30 January,
- One announced by MoH today, Tuesday 1 February,
- And a further two cases were identified after the MoH reporting timeframe this morning and will be announced by the MoH tomorrow.
- Active cases – 21 confirmed
Dr Stephen Bridgman, Medical Officer of Health said: “Air transport is more likely than not the source of transmission for these Nelson Tasman cases. The four cases are from three additional households and are been managed as part of the January Omicron Cluster.
"Where someone resides is less important than where the exposure event has occurred. Everyone is encouraged to keep an eye on the Ministry of Health’s locations of interest website.
"It is wonderful to see the community networks in action with one of the cases already in isolation when contacted by the Public Health Service this weekend. The individual had been made aware that their flight was a close contact event by a friend who had seen the listing on the Ministry of Health locations of interest website. This is a great example of our community working together at pace as we work to stamp out this outbreak.
"As of yesterday there were 130 contacts isolating in Nelson Marlborough - 120 located in Nelson Tasman and 10 in Marlborough. To those in isolation we say thank you. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe so more people can receive their vaccinations, protecting themselves, their whānau and our health system from the impact of Omicron. We know vaccination has a huge effect on reducing the likelihood of hospitalisation and serious disease. It also reduces transmission of the virus.
"Masks also play an important role in reducing transmission. The purpose of masks is to reduce exposure to airborne particles so the fit of masks is important. While face masks are already mandatory on public transport such as flights and buses, we look forward to the further changes coming into effect at 11.59pm on Thursday 3 February, when face coverings must be attached by loops around the ears or head. This means scarves or bandannas are no longer acceptable.”
Locations of interest
Nelson Tasman residents and visitors are asked to monitor Ministry of Health’s locations of interest page, and follow the instructions given on that page if you’ve been at a location of interest. There is a list on this page and also a map for quick-reference: COVID-19: Contact tracing locations of interest | Ministry of Health NZ
Marlborough residents and visitors should monitor this page also if they have travelled to the Nelson Tasman region in the past 14 days.
When and where to get tested
We ask anyone with symptoms – no matter how mild – to please get tested, even if they are vaccinated. Read about symptoms to be alert to on the Ministry of Health website: About COVID-19 symptoms and spread | Ministry of Health NZ COVID-19
COVID-19 testing locations
1. Walk-in, no appointments needed
Nelson CBAC: Saxton Field parking area (near Oaklands Milk), Suffolk Rd, Stoke
- Daily (Monday-Sunday) 9am-6pm
Motueka CBAC: Motueka Recreation Centre, Old Wharf Road, Motueka
- Daily through to 11 February 9am-5pm
CBAC hours will be kept up-to-date on the Healthpoint website: Nelson Marlborough COVID-19 CBACs | HealthPoint
2. By appointment at medical centres (GP) please phone ahead first
All locations and hours available on the Healthpoint website. Find an option closest to you: COVID-19 Testing | Nelson Marlborough | HealthPoint
Vaccination advice
People living in Marlborough, Nelson, and Tasman are reminded to get vaccinated if they have not already. Everyone aged 5 years and over is eligible for free COVID-19 vaccination. Booster doses are also now available to anyone aged 18+ who had their second dose 4 month ago.
Vaccination clinic locations across the region are listed on Healthpoint here.