Testing urged for those with symptoms

Dr Michael Butchard. Photo: SDHB
Dr Michael Butchard. Photo: SDHB
South Islanders who were in Wellington last weekend and have since begun to feel ill with Covid-19 symptoms are being urged to arrange a test.

It was revealed this morning that an Australian visitor to the capital over the weekend of June 19 and 20 had tested positive to Covid-19 after their return home.

The visitor spent time in Te Papa while in Wellington, as well as in an inner-city bar on Saturday night.

Southern District Health Board medical officer of health Michael Butchard said the case was a reminder why everyone needed to remain vigilant about the risks of Covid-19.

"Please stay at home if you have symptoms, and call your GP or 0800 VIRUS19 to arrange a Covid test,'' Dr Butchard said.

"Remember to scan the QR codes for the Covid tracer app, turn on its bluetooth functionality, and remember the basics of good hand hygiene.''

Dr Butchard urged anyone who had been in Wellington over the weekend, and especially those who had been at a confirmed location that the potentially infectious visitor had been to, to get a Covid-19 test and follow the advice on the Ministry of Health website.

"If your Covid-19 tracer app has advised you to get tested, please do so as soon as possible,'' Dr Butchard said.

If you are concerned about any Covid-19 symptoms you are experiencing, contact Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or your GP.

Covid-19 Community Based Testing Centres (CBACs) in Christchurch and Canterbury:

  • Orchard Road CBAC (near Airport), 174 Orchard Road, (Off Harewood Road), Christchurch. Open 9am-4pm, 7 days a week until further notice. (Walk-in/no referral required).
  • Whānau Ora Community Clinic CBAC (Wainoni), 250 Pages Road, Wainoni, Christchurch. Open 9am-3:30pm, 7 days a week. (Walk-in/no referral required)
  • Ashburton Hospital site CBAC - 28 Elizabeth Street, Ashburton hospital site, Open 10am-2pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only. (Walk-in/no referral required)

No on-demand or walk-in COVID-19 testing is being carried out at Christchurch Hospital.

 

mike.houlahan@odt.co.nz