SDHB COVID -19 Daily Update 22 Feb 2022

We have implemented this daily COVID-19 media release to update case numbers and inform the media and public of the situation across the Southern region.  

Key Messages 
The reported number of cases in Southern are not reflective of the true number of cases across the district. It is estimated that total case numbers in the Southern district is closer to 1200 with escalating numbers in the last two days. Please be vigilant when out in the community. COVID-19 is widespread, and we all run the risk of being exposed. 

• Labs throughout Southern are at capacity due to high demand for PCR testing. Changes are underway to introduce more widespread use of rapid antigen testing.  

• Please only get tested if you have symptoms or are a close contact or household contact of a confirmed case. We need to ensure those who are symptomatic, or a close contact, get access to testing.  

• Dunedin and Queenstown have widespread COVID-19 infections in the community. If you are out in these communities, please be extra vigilant.  

• If you receive a text notification that you are positive, please do the online survey in the link you receive in the text message as soon as possible. This will ensure you can receive the appropriate care and support.  

Changes to testing in Southern 
Labs throughout the Southern district are at capacity because so many in our community have been conscientious, community focused, and gone to get tested if they have been identified as a close contact, been at a location of interest, or have cold or flu-like symptoms.  

Thank you for getting tested and looking after your community. Because of the demand and to ensure we can offer PCR tests to our most vulnerable populations, the Southern district is introducing more widespread use of rapid antigen tests (RATs). PCR tests will still be available for those who need them.  

Some symptomatic people who go to a community testing centre will receive a RAT from now on. This will mainly include younger adults. 

If you have symptoms or have been advised to get tested, then please go to a testing centre, or call your GP to arrange a test. You will be provided with the appropriate test for you by testing staff.  

If you are not symptomatic, or are not a close contact, you do not need to get tested. Please only get tested if you are symptomatic or have been identified as a close contact. 

Due to the large demand on our labs the processing of swabs is taking time. Lab staff are doing an amazing job to process the huge demand. Please be patient in waiting for your results. Healthcare teams across the Southern district are working hard to get these to you as soon as possible.  

If you test positive for COVID-19 by taking a RAT please call 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719). This ensures you are registered as having tested positive and will mean you are linked in with all appropriate care and support that you and your family may need.  

If you test positive for COVID-19 by having a PCR test you will be sent a text message to confirm this. This text message will include a link to a form for you to fill in. Please fill this in as soon as possible. This will ensure you are linked in with the appropriate care and support you and your family need. If you do not have a cell phone you will receive a phone call. You will also receive a phone call if you do not fill in the form within 24 hours.  

Testing locations can be found on the WellSouth website. 

If you have concerns about COVID-19 symptoms, please call your general practice or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 at any time. If you are very unwell or having breathing difficulties, please call 111 immediately.  

Case Numbers 
The Southern districts total active cases are not reflective of the real number of cases across the district. The Southern district, particularly Dunedin, has a large population that is registered with a general practitioner in another area of New Zealand. This links their NHI number to an address in a different area of the country meaning that the Southern districts actual cases numbers are much higher than those reflected in the daily tally released by the Ministry of Health. 

It is estimated that total case numbers in the Southern district is closer to 1200.  

Please note, the Ministry of Health’s daily reported cases may differ slightly from those reported at a DHB or local public health unit level. This is because of different reporting cut off times and the assignment of cases between regions, for example when a case is tested outside their usual region of residence. Total numbers will always be the formal daily case tally as reported to the WHO. 

Close contacts 
As of 1pm Monday 21 February there are 223 close contacts isolating throughout the Southern district. 56 of these are in the Queenstown-Lakes district and 159 are in Dunedin. 

Key media contacts 

• For questions about COVID-19 case numbers and vaccination, contact SDHB: communications@southerndhb.govt.nz  

• For questions about COVID-19 testing and case monitoring in the community, contact WellSouth: communications@wellsouth.org.nz    

Media enquiries:
Southern District Health Board Communications
communications@southerndhb.govt.nz