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."
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 4 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.