Archive: 27/01/2022

Two new cases in Nelson Tasman within an existing household

Case Update

  • New cases – 2
  • Active cases – 17  (16 confirmed, 1 probable)
  • 403 tests across Nelson Marlborough on Wednesday.
  • 2423 total vaccinations across Nelson Marlborough with 1909 boosters and 378 paediatric doses on Wednesday.

A further two household contacts of existing confirmed Nelson Tasman cases, have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total active cases across the region to 17 (16 confirmed and 1 probable).

Dr Stephen Bridgman, Medical Officer of Health said: “In this ‘stamp it out’ phase all cases are confirmed with a positive PCR test as this is the most accurate method. Rapid antigen tests become important in the ‘flatten the curve’ and ‘manage it’ phases as case numbers escalate and the public health response adjusts accordingly.

"During this ‘stamp it out’ phase we are asking close contacts to quarantine for 10 days. This allows for immediate testing and further testing at days five and eight, or earlier if symptomatic. Casual contacts, people who have been at a location of interest during the date and time specified, are directed to monitor symptoms. If they become symptomatic they need to get a test and isolate immediately until a negative test result is received.

"This ‘stamping it out’ phase aims to gift us time. Time for people in our community to become vaccinated and develop a household plan for when Omicron cases peak. This will help us reduce the number of people who experience serious illness, hospitalisation and death.”

Lexie O’Shea, Chief Executive, Nelson Marlborough Health commended the government for their phased Public Health response to Omicron:

“I know it has been said before but we really do live in unprecedented times. For the government to be able to have a national plan for a variant of COVID-19 that didn’t even exist two months ago and demonstrates the amazing agility and resilience of our Public Health teams.

"The Nelson Marlborough health system will be working at pace to operationalise these measures and align internal policies to the expected phases. The next few months are going to be bumpy and we are forever grateful to the Nelson Marlborough community for supporting us by getting vaccinated, getting tested and being kind to our frontline staff. 

"In Nelson Marlborough we are actively seeking to stamp out Omicron. We are now six days on from the first case announcement and are encouraged to see people with symptoms continuing to come forward for testing. Yesterday 403 tests were taken with over 2000 now completed across Nelson Marlborough since Friday. This expanded testing capacity is a good example of how our local health system, mobilised by Nelson Bays Primary Health Organisation and general practices, can rally.


Read more about 'Two new cases in Nelson Tasman within an existing household'...


Related Tags
COVID-19