Southern surveillance testing results give confidence
Southern DHB’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Susan Jack is praising Southerners’ response to pop up surveillance testing in Queenstown and Milford this week, saying it has helped provide confidence there is no community transmission in the district.
Dr Jack said the Southern District was one of the hardest hit in New Zealand during the first wave of COVID-19, with 216 cases and sadly two people had died from the virus. The positive test in South Korea of a traveller who had recently visited Queenstown and Milford has led to pop up surveillance testing being conducted across New Zealand.
“COVID-19 affected people in many of our Southern cities, towns and small communities and we need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t take hold again.
“Thank you to the around 1,100 people who volunteered to be tested in Queenstown and Milford this week. The good news is that all the Queenstown results have been negative, and we are hoping the 35 Milford test results will be too. The Milford test results are expected tomorrow (Saturday). A huge thanks to WellSouth and Fiordland Medical Practice for rapidly setting up and conducting the swabbing at the pop up testing sites, with special thanks for the support from Pak’n’Save and the Milford Fire Service.
“There has been speculation that some people are becoming complacent about COVID-19, but this response has shown Southerners are practical, realistic and cautious, and realise we have to keep on top of it.”
Dr Jack encouraged Southern residents and visitors to keep doing the basics and to be prepared.
“Southerners did so well in coping with the first wave, following public health advice around hygiene and limiting their movements.
“While we are at level one, it is still important that people continue to maintain their hand hygiene, and keep track of your movements in store and out in the community by using the COVID-19 Tracer app or similar.
“The next sensible step would be to make sure you have a suitable mask ready to use, should it be needed,” she said.
Dr Jack said the Southern community’s response to COVID-19 was a team effort. “As health professionals we can advise, encourage and provide care, but we rely on the cooperation of our wider community to be effective. I want to thank the people of Southern for their unfailing support over the past six months. Every time we have called on them, they have answered our call and in doing so helped keep our community safe.”
ENDS.