Dunedin family in self-isolation following confirmed COVID-19 case

As was announced by the Director-General of the Ministry of Health this afternoon, a Dunedin man in his 40s returned from Germany has tested positive for COVID-19.

Contact tracing is now being undertaken by Southern DHB’s public health team. It was five days after the man returned to New Zealand when he began showing symptoms – so contact tracing is not required on any flights. Other close contacts are being traced.

Two family members, who have symptoms, are currently being tested and are in self-isolation.

This is the first positive case of Covid-19 in Dunedin, and the second in the Southern district.

One of the two family members with symptoms, currently being tested, is a student at Logan Park High School in Dunedin. The student is now is self-isolation at home.

The school is working with both Education staff and public health officials.  If the test result is positive authorities will be asking the school to close for 48 hours while close contacts are traced and put in self isolation and casual contacts given advice about what to do if they become unwell.  The school will be carefully cleaned before reopening.

Test results are expected later today.

Southern DHB Chief Executive Chris Fleming says the DHB has been preparing for the arrival of the disease in our district and again commended those who have provided care and supported the public health response.

 “Our thoughts are firstly with the man and his family. We ask they are supported and that their privacy is respected at this time.”

“We are requesting close contacts stay in self isolation for 14 days from the date of potential exposure.

Mr Fleming also called upon the community to play its part in stamping the disease out.

“This is unlikely to be the last case we have of COVID-19 in our district, and we need you to help ensure the health system is able to support those who need care.

“All our efforts need to be on stopping the spread, or at least slowing it to a manageable rate.

“Anyone who feels at all unwell should stay away from work, school or any other institution.

Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have undertaken any overseas travel in the past 14 days, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19. Please do not go directly to the Emergency Department or your GP. We are aware that Healthline is very busy and it may take time for your call to be answered. Please be patient as this is very important.”

“Please also assist by following the advice from the Ministry of health and sharing the messages from the Ministry of Health as widely as possible. We all need to work together to prevent community transmission and we thank you for your support and cooperation.”

Prevention – how to protect yourself and others

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
• Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds).
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, sharing cups or food with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs. Stay home if you feel unwell.

Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have undertaken any overseas travel in the past 14 days, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19. Please do not go directly to the Emergency Department or your GP.