Two new cases in Nelson Tasman
Case update
- New cases – 2*
- Active cases – 15 (14 confirmed, 1 probable)
Case investigations are underway for a further two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nelson Tasman. The cases are being treated as suspected Omicron with investigations looking to understand possible links to other cases and exposure events. There are now a total of 15 active cases (14 confirmed and 1 probable) in the region, across three households.
Dr Stephen Bridgman, Medical Officer of Health said: “We are very grateful to the household for coming forward for testing. It is never easy finding out you are a positive case. People are concerned not only for their own health but worry about any exposure to their families and communities.
"The recent announcement on mask wearing will mean people are better able to protect themselves and reduce the risk of infection to others. We know that Omicron is an airborne virus and that we can be infectious before we develop symptoms. Make sure your mask is designed to cover the nose and mouth to ensure the greatest protection.”
Dr Bridgman explains that where cases are isolating is not as important as where cases have been while infectious.
“Widespread testing of people with symptoms across Nelson Marlborough is needed in order to determine if there is undetected transmission in the community.
"So far we are have seen a good response for testing from the community. An additional 432 tests yesterday brings the total of tests to 1,722 since Friday when the cases were announced. We would like to see these numbers continue across the week as new locations of interest are identified.”
*Due to data reporting cut-off times, the number of cases reported by Nelson Marlborough Health may differ to what the Ministry of Health has reported.
Testing and vaccination
- 432 tests across Nelson Marlborough on Tuesday.
- 2957 total vaccinations across Nelson Marlborough with 2260 adult and 533 paediatric doses on Tuesday.
Lexie O’Shea, Chief Executive, Nelson Marlborough Health said: “Nelson Marlborough has now reached 90% partially vaccinated and 85% fully vaccinated for Māori.
"Meeting this milestone has been a collective effort, with the vaccination programme including Iwi and Marae, Te Piki Oranga, Primary Health Organisations, Pharmacies, general practices, and more. We would like to thank our partners for helping us to ensure our community is as protected and prepared as possible.
"With Omicron cases in our community we would encourage all those who are eligible to make an appointment or visit a walk in clinic as soon as possible.”
Lexie O’Shea said the Omicron cases had driven demand for testing and vaccination.
“It has been an incredibly big start to the week. Community-Based Assessment Centres (CBAC) testing stations remain active in Motueka and Nelson as new location of interest continue to drive demand for testing. Testing is also available from primary care, after-hours medical centres or iwi health providers. Please remember to phone ahead.
"We have seen 1,722 people present for testing across Nelson Marlborough, including Friday’s figures when the first case was announced. This is a great response from our community who have clearly taken to heart the advice to be kind, get tested and get boosted.
"Information on testing and vaccination locations and hours, including over the long weekend, has been updated on the Healthpoint website. We are continuing with the extension of the Nelson and Richmond vaccination centre time to 8pm on weekdays (6pm over the long weekend) for another week following good demand at this time.”
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.