The Ministry of Health reported three confirmed Covid-19 cases in Hawke’s Bay, today taking the total for the region to 19.

Patients with serious health conditions, who are at greatest risk if exposed to COVID-19, will benefit from a new charitable initiative which will provide them with remote monitoring technology - reducing their need to visit hospital.

The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network is very concerned that the COVID-19 outbreak will have a serious impact on rural New Zealanders ability to get the medical care they need compared to people who live in urban centres.

People should have confidence in the preparations being made on their behalf by their healthcare professionals says the person leading the Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s (BOPDHB) COVID-19 response.

Lakes District Hospital is now admitting patients again, after a temporary pause while staff were tested for COVID-19.

Altogether 83 staff and contractors were tested for the virus, after two nurses were confirmed as having the infection.

The Ministry of Health today reported one newly confirmed Covid-19 case in Hawke’s Bay, taking the total for the region to 16.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre said the new case was a person recently returned from overseas.

Patients having laboratory tests done for issues other than COVID-19 at Wairoa Hospital and Health Centre are being directed to a dedicated lab entrance from this week.

At this stage the three appear to be linked with another cluster identified outside of the Waikato region.

Waikato DHB Chief Executive, Dr Kevin Snee, said those who had tested positive were self-isolating and contact tracing was underway.

Waikato DHB has confirmed 37 COVID-19 cases in Matamata as of April 1. The cluster has been linked to a St Patrick’s Day celebration at the Redoubt Bar.

Wednesday 1 April, 2020

Tauranga COVID-19 Assessment Centre moves to Baypark from Friday 3 April

The Tauranga Community Based Assessment Centre (CBAC), testing those with potential COVID-19 symptoms, is relocating to Baypark from Friday 3 April.