Kensington Health

13/04/2022

From 11.59pm tonight, 13 April all of New Zealand will move to Orange 🟠

Over the past few weeks we’ve seen a sustained reduction in cases and hospitalisations despite the relaxation of settings. Under the COVID-19 Protection Framework, this means we can now move to the Orange setting.

At Orange 🟠
➡️ There are no indoor or outdoor capacity limits at events.
➡️ Face masks are still required for many indoor settings. Inside schools, face masks are not required but still encouraged.
➡️ There are no changes to the 7-day self-isolation requirement, if you, or someone you live with gets COVID-19.
➡️ Bars and restaurants are no longer required to enforce seated and separated rules, although they can choose to keep them.

Wearing a face mask at Orange is still important, especially with capacity limits removed. Next to being vaccinated and having a booster, face masks are the best defence against COVID-19 and reduce new cases by as much as 53%.

Traffic light settings will be reviewed in mid-May.

Find out more about Life at Orange here: https://covid19.govt.nz/orange

01/04/2022

Flu vaccination available now in clinic.

If you are 65+yrs, or meet other government criteria, your flu vaccine is FREE.

Please call us on 437 9070 to book.

23/03/2022

If you are enrolled with Kensington Health, we are committed to giving you great access to your own records and tools to check lab results, request repeat prescriptions, book online and communicate securely with us through our Patient Portal (ManageMyHealth). This is a portal used by many practices nationally, and provides some great benefits.

In the coming days we will be in touch with all of our patients who have provided an email address as part of their contact details, but have not yet registered for ManageMyHealth. This will give you some more information about what you can do via ManageMyHealth, and the ability to activate the portal for your own records.

We understand that some people may not wish to use this feature, and we 100% respect that choice - you do not need to activate or respond to the email.

28/02/2022

If you are seeking a COVID test, it's highly likely that you will be given a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

Whatever the result, it's important to record it in My Covid Record. Check out the how to video below 👍

You can use My Covid Record to report a rapid antigen test (RAT) that you have performed.After you log in, the button to report a RAT can be found at the bot...

25/02/2022

What happens if your RAT result is positive for COVID-19?

1️⃣ Self-isolate
You’ve already prepared for it, now kick your isolation plan into action and stay home.

How to self-isolate: https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/how-to-self-isolate/

Advice for your Household Contacts: https://covid19.govt.nz/testing-and-tracing/contact-tracing/household-contacts/

2️⃣ Record your positive result
If your RAT is positive, you need to report your result on www.MyCovidRecord.nz or call 0800 222 478 and press option 3.

If you got a supervised RAT at a Community Testing Centre or other health provider, the result will be automatically entered for you and will turn up on your My Covid Record.

Your positive test result is recorded and you will get sent a link to a contact tracing form with a unique code. It may take up to 24 hours to receive your code.

Please make sure you fill in this form as it will help us identify if you need any additional health and welfare support. It will also help for contact tracing purposes.

If you don’t have access to a mobile phone or internet, a health provider will be in touch to help collect these details.

If you have a positive result from a PCR test, you will get a text from the official 2328 number.

3️⃣ Look after yourself
Most people will have mild to moderate symptoms and will be able to self-care at home. Care and support will continue to be there for people who need it.

Some people will receive additional health and wellbeing checks depending on their needs. As always, Healthline is available free and 24/7 on 0800 358 5453.

It is important to track your symptoms every day in case you become more unwell and need urgent medical care.

There's more information about managing symptoms on our website: https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/advice-people-covid-19 -care

4️⃣ Get help if you need it
Wellbeing and financial help is available: https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/help-when-you-are-self-isolating/

5️⃣ Check that you’re ok to leave self-isolation
After 10 days, and if you are free of COVID-19 symptoms, you will be able to leave self-isolation without needing to do anything further. Others in your household will need to return negative tests on the relevant days before they can leave self-isolation.

Find out more about testing positive for COVID-19 here: https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/what-happens-if-you-test-positive-for-covid-19/

24/02/2022

With all the Alert Levels, Traffic Lights, and Phases, here's the simplest info for what you need to know now 👍

24/02/2022

With the move to Phase Three of the Government’s COVID response framework from tonight, it is likely that significant pressure will be put on general practice as more people are impacted by the omicron variant.

Kensington Health will continue to support you if you need to access services, but we ask you to consider that there may be delays in the coming weeks. If your need is not urgent, or you can manage with the support of your own household or social network, please plan in advance as much as possible.

Our team will continue to be able to provide services either in-person, or via telehealth (phone/video calling) options. If you require in-person services, please be aware we continue to stream patients based on factors including what symptoms you may have. In order to protect all patients and our team, you may be seen in your vehicle or in a consultation room outside of our main practice.

If you have yet to do so, you can register for ManageMyHealth to access your records, request prescriptions, or communicate with us – www.managemyhealth.co.nz

To ensure the platform’s security, uptime, and stability, we are conducting scheduled maintenance on our infrastructure. During this maintenance, Manage My Health may be inaccessible temporarily. All operations will resume immediately after the maintenance.

18/02/2022

17/02/2022

As more people begin to test positive with Omicron, it's important to know what will happen and how you can help contact trace

Going for a COVID-19 test or waiting for your result? You will now receive your positive or negative test result by text.

The growing number of COVID-19 cases means we need to shift our approach to ensure our communities receive support where it is most needed. Most people with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate illness and will be able to manage their symptoms themselves at home.

If you test positive, you will be sent a text from the official 2328 number. This will have your results, a link to complete an online contact tracing form and link to a website for more information.

The form will ask you to share the information we need for contact tracing, like:

⏺️ your current symptoms
⏺️ details of your household contacts
⏺️ any high-risk locations you’ve been to and people you’ve been in close contact with
⏺️ any specific health conditions that may mean you require extra health support
⏺️ instructions on how to share your NZ Covid Tracer diary and Bluetooth data
⏺️ a link through to MSD if you need kai or have other welfare needs.

If you don’t complete the form within 24 hours, you will receive a call from our contact tracers.

Any information you share is private and secure. For more information check out: https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-resources-and-tools/covid-19-contact-tracing-form

10/02/2022

Ka pai Tai Tokerau!!!

09/02/2022

February is a critical month to get New Zealand boosted. Boosters help slow the spread of the virus, so more of us can stay well. And that helps free up our hospitals for other people who need care.

Two shots were great protection against Delta, but boosters are the best way to fight Omicron. That’s why everyone who can needs to get boosted in February.

If you had your 2nd vaccination at least 3 months ago and you’re 18 and over, get your booster ASAP. You can access a Pfizer booster dose in the same way as any other dose, booking online via www.BookMyVaccine.nz, visiting a walk-in or drive-thru vaccination clinic, or by calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).

04/02/2022

04/02/2022

Yesterday, 48,945 vaccine doses were administered. This includes 45,931 booster doses, which is 71% of those eligible for their booster.

There were also 4,501 child (paediatric) vaccine first doses, which were administered to 5 to 11 year olds throughout New Zealand.

More than 9.42 million doses have been administered to date.

There are 209 new active community cases of COVID-19 to report today. There are:
- 21 in Northland
- 99 in Auckland
- 51 in Waikato
- 15 in Lakes DHB (North Island)
- 15 in Bay of Plenty
- 3 in Hawke’s Bay
- 4 in Tairāwhiti
- 1 in MidCentral DHB

There are 9 cases in hospital. Of these, 1 is in an intensive care or high dependency unit.

There are 64 new active cases at the border.

➡️Testing reminder
Only those who have COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been at a location of interest at the relevant time, need to get a test and isolate at home until a negative result is returned.

The most common early symptoms of the Omicron variant are a sore or scratchy throat, and a runny nose. If you have any of these symptoms, please call Healthline on 0800 358 54 53 and get a test.

➡️ More information on cases, testing, and vaccine doses can be found in today’s Ministry of Health update: https://www.health.govt.nz/news-media/news-items

➡️ Find a testing location here: www.HealthPoint.co.nz/covid-19/

➡️ Check for new locations of interest here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19/covid-19-contact-tracing-locations-interest

➡️ Get prepared for Omicron. Download your COVID-19 checklist here: www.covid19.govt.nz/be-prepared

➡️ Book your booster online at BookMyVaccine.nz or find a walk-in location here: https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/how-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccination/get-your-covid-19-vaccination/ -in

03/02/2022

Here's a great opportunity to join our team 👍👍

02/02/2022

From this Friday, you can get your booster if it has been 3 months (93 days) since your 2nd dose. To make it easy, we will be texting our patients as they become eligible.

From Friday 4 February, New Zealanders aged 18 or older can get their COVID-19 Pfizer booster 3 months after completing their primary course (for most people this will be two doses but for those who are immune compromised this might be three).

Bringing forward the booster timing is likely to improve pandemic outcomes for all New Zealanders, and improve outcomes for those groups who have been immunised more recently. It will mean more people, especially Māori, will be able to receive a Pfizer booster before Omicron takes hold in communities.

Current evidence shows your protection against infection after the primary vaccination course decreases over time. Getting a ‘top up’ vaccine after your two doses helps boost your immunity against COVID-19.

You can book an appointment for your Pfizer booster dose by calling the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week) or book online through www.BookMyVaccine.nz.

You can find more information about booster doses here: https://www.health.govt.nz/.../covid-19-vaccine-boosters

25/01/2022

Mask wearing requirements in the Red setting are changing.

In addition to existing requirements, from 11:59pm, Thursday 3 February:
➡️ All masks must be attached to the head by loops around the ears or head. That means no more scarves, bandannas, or jerseys pulled up over the face.
➡️ Masks will also be required at all close-proximity businesses, food and drink businesses and events and gatherings. There will continue to be some exceptions, for example, when you are eating and drinking, at a swimming pool, or when you are doing exercise. Further guidance on this will be provided in the coming days.
➡️ All workers who are legally mandated to be vaccinated must wear a medical grade mask (for example a Type IIR/Level2 masks or above) while working in public facing roles. These include the widely available blue medical-grade masks.
➡️ All primary and secondary school students Year 4 and up will need to wear a face mask on public transport and Ministry of Education funded school transport services.

These adjustments will slow the spread of the virus, save lives, and give us time to get more of the eligible population boosted.

23/01/2022

All of New Zealand will move to Red at 11.59pm tonight, 23 January, in order to slow down and manage the spread of Omicron in the community.

Red is not lockdown. At Red businesses stay open and you can do most of the things that you normally do, if you are vaccinated. There are no regional boundaries at Red, and you can shop normally as all supermarkets and retail remain open.

🔴 Omicron case update

Nine COVID-19 cases reported yesterday in the Nelson/Marlborough region have now been confirmed as the Omicron variant, and a further case from the same household was confirmed late yesterday.

These cases flew to Auckland on 13 January to attend a wedding and other events. Initial estimates suggest there were well over 100 people at these events.

This cluster has already led to an additional infection of a fully vaccinated flight attendant who picked it up on flight 5083 on January 16th from Auckland to Nelson that the family was on.

That flight attendant has worked four additional flights while infectious. These flights are:

Flight NZ 5083 from Auckland to Nelson at 5.20 pm on 16 January
Flight NZ 5080 from Nelson to Auckland at 4 pm on 19 January
Flight NZ 5077 from Auckland to Nelson at 2pm on 19 January
Flight NZ 5049 from Auckland to New Plymouth at 7.50 pm on 19 January
Flight NZ 5042 from New Plymouth to Auckland at 1.50 pm on 20 January

We don’t yet have a clear lead on the index case that links this family to the border, as we have with our other Omicron cases to date. That means Omicron is circulating in Auckland and possibly the Nelson Marlborough region if not elsewhere.

As we have seen elsewhere in the world Omicron is significantly more infectious and we will see far more cases than we have in the two years of the pandemic to date.

🔴 Boosters

The evidence from overseas is that boosters significantly reduce the likelihood of getting sick and needing to go to hospital, and also helps to reduce the transmission of the virus. Around 56% of those eligible for a booster have already had one, if you’re eligible now – go to BookMyVaccine.nz or find a walk-in vaccination clinic at https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-vaccination/?options=walk-in

Here’s what you can do – get boosted, wear a mask in indoor settings and when out and about and reduce contact with others.

While we will now experience more cases of Covid-19 than we ever have before, most people will be able to recover at home.

Anyone with symptoms should isolate immediately and call Healthline (0800 358 5453) or your doctor to arrange a test. If you test positive, you will need to isolate for 14 days and your close contacts will need to isolate for at least 10 days.

Help and support, including financial support, will be available for people who are isolating. More information is available here: www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/

We’ll share more information around life at Red in our next update.

Be calm, be kind, get boosted.

21/12/2021

From 17 January 2022, children aged 5 to 11 will be eligible to get the child version of the Pfizer vaccine.

There are 476,000 children who will become eligible to get their first dose from this date. They will need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. It is recommended that these are given at least 8 weeks apart, however the interval can be safely shortened to a minimum of 21 days if needed.

A parent, caregiver or legal guardian will need to accompany their child to their appointments and provide consent for them to be vaccinated. Like all childhood immunisations, the COVID-19 vaccine will not be mandatory.

Although tamariki have a lower risk of direct health impacts from COVID-19, it can still have serious consequences, particularly for children with compromised immune systems or significant respiratory conditions. The vaccine for tamariki can help keep them and their communities safe.

Pfizer’s trial results with the age group show that the vaccine produces a similar immune response to that seen in other age groups. Side effects are also reported to be similar to older age groups, such as a headache, a sore arm and fatigue.

While there are no plans for a school-based immunisation programme at this time, schools are being considered as community vaccination sites. This will add capacity to the vaccination network and make it even easier for families to get vaccinated.

It’s important you get your information about the vaccine from reputable sources. Talk to your GP, or iwi health provider if you have further questions.

Find out more here: https://covid19.govt.nz/news-and-data/latest-news/government-confirms-covid-19-vaccinations-to-protect-tamariki/

13/12/2021

All areas south of Northland will move to Orange at 11.59pm 30 December 2021. Northland will stay at Red. These settings will be reviewed on the week of 17 January 2022.

Some Auckland boundary restrictions ease this week - from 11.59pm 14 December anyone can travel to and from Auckland for any reason. However, people over 12 years and 3 months who are departing from Auckland must have either their My Vaccine Pass or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure.

Heading North, Police will set up and manage checkpoints with the support of iwi to confirm that those travelling from Auckland meet these requirements.

Heading South, motorists should expect spot-checks from Police to check they have either a valid vaccine pass or a negative COVID-19 test.

At Auckland airport, people will be required to present either their My Vaccine Pass or a negative COVID-19 test at check-in.

Find out more about travel at Red at our website: https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/life-at-red/travel-and-accommodation-at-red/

02/12/2021

All of New Zealand will move to the new traffic light settings from 11.59pm tonight.

Here’s what you need to know before tomorrow:
📍Find out whether you’re in Orange or Red here: www.covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/traffic-lights-map/

🔴Life at Red: www.covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/life-at-red/

🟠Life at Orange: www.covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/life-at-orange/

🚘Travelling into/out of Auckland this summer? Some restrictions apply: www.covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/latest-updates/auckland-boundary-to-change-15-december/

📲 Get your My Vaccine Pass: www.covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-certificates/my-vaccine-pass/

If you run a business:
🗒 Find detailed guidance for your sector here: www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/covid-19-protection-framework/

📲 Learn about and download the NZ Pass Verifier now: www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/my-covid-record-proof-vaccination-status/nz-pass-verifier

29/11/2021

Guess we can call ourselves a red light district 🤣

From 11.59pm, Thursday 2 December 2021 New Zealand will move to the new traffic light system. The following areas will move to Red:

🔴 Northland
🔴 Auckland
🔴 Taupō and Rotorua Lakes Districts
🔴 Kawerau, Whakatane, Ōpōtiki Districts
🔴 Gisborne District
🔴 Wairoa District
🔴 Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts

🟠The rest of the North Island will move to Orange
🟠The whole of the South Island will move to Orange.

Cabinet will review these settings and will provide an update on Monday 13 December. The next update by Ministers will be in the week of Monday 17 January, and will continue on a fortnightly basis from then on.

🔴 Red
At Red, life will feel a lot like Alert Level 2 if you have a My Vaccine Pass. Your vaccine pass will allow you to enter places like cafes, restaurants, gyms and hairdressers, but number limits of 100 will apply to most activities. Children under 12 are not required to show a vaccine pass. Schools and early learning centres can open, with public health measures in place.

Find out more about Red here: https://www.covid19.govt.nz/red

🟠Orange
At Orange, there are no gathering limits in places where everyone is vaccinated. Retail and public facilities are open, with capacity limits based on 1 metre physical distancing.

Find out more about Orange here: https://www.covid19.govt.nz/orange

At Red and Orange, close-proximity businesses and gyms that do not require customers to have a My Vaccine Pass will have to close. Cafes and restaurants that do not require customers to have a My Vaccine Pass can open for contactless pick-up or delivery only.

At all settings you can catch up once again in each other’s homes. If there are people without a vaccine pass at your home, then there is a limit of 25 at Red and 50 at Orange.

There are three key things to remember at every colour setting: Mask. Scan. Pass
1. Take your mask wherever you go, and be ready to wear it.
2. Scan in using the NZ COVID Tracer app wherever you go.
3. Have your vaccine pass ready to show at places that require it. Visit MyCovidRecord.nz to get yours now.

27/11/2021

Here's what you need to know before Friday

25/11/2021

Over the coming months, as we open up the country, more New Zealanders will catch COVID-19.

If you’re fully vaccinated, you’re still able to get COVID-19, but are likely to only have mild to moderate symptoms.

We know that most people will require no treatment but will need regular monitoring.

Under the new COVID Care in the Community model, once you have been informed of your positive test result, you will receive a call within 24 hours, to discuss any immediate health, welfare and wellbeing requirements you have. Your household contacts will need to isolate while you do, they will also be supported with health advice.

A health pack tailored to you will be delivered within 48 hours to support your wellbeing and recovery.

Everyone can also do their bit now to help themselves and their loved ones get ready in case they get COVID. Our COVID-19 Checklist will help you plan and prepare.

You can read more about the COVID Care in the Community model and download the COVID-19 Checklist here: covid19.govt.nz/be-prepared

24/11/2021

Please just get vaxxed!

The data clearly shows how effective the vaccine is.

22/11/2021

Additional vaccination drive through in OT

Kia ora whanau!
🔥🔥**ALERT**🔥🔥
It has been identified that we have had a confirmed positive case of COVID19 in the Otangarei Community.
What does this mean for Otangarei?
Because we are such a close knit community we encourage you to get tested as soon as possible. This is especially true if you are experiencing any COVID19 symptoms.
Because we do not yet have any identified places of interest please do not risk you and your whanau health.
We will update as soon as we know more.
Te Hau Awhiowhio o Otangarei Hauora will be running a Drive Through community testing Centre at the City Rugby Club Rooms:
Tuesday 23rd November
10am - 2pm
🔥No bookings required🔥
🚕🚕Drive thru is preferred but pedestrians welcome as well!
Please call 0800 120 916 for more information.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR MASK 😷😷😷

Stay safe whanau!

20/11/2021

Whilst it is unfortunate people are leaving their careers, this article hits the nail on the head - the mandate is in place to protect those who are most vulnerable.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018821248/the-missing-context-in-vaccine-mandate-coverage

Analysis: News organisations have devoted plenty of space to the unvaccinated healthcare and education workers being stood down this week. But many of those stories are missing vital context.

17/11/2021

All of this week's info at a glance

11/11/2021

I tēnei wā tonu, kua 3,350,104 te tokomaha o ngā tāngata i werohia katoatia ki te kano āraimate.

3,350,104 people are now fully vaccinated.

Yesterday, 22,007 doses were administered. Of these 6,045 were first doses and 15,962 were second doses. More than 7.1 million doses have been administered to date.

If you’re not vaccinated yet, book at BookMyVaccine.nz or visit covid19.govt.nz/vaccines for a walk-in or drive-through near you.

Kua 185 te nama o ngā kēhi KOWHEORI-19 ā-hapori i ara ake i te rangi nei. Kua 0 te nama o ngā kēhi hou kua ara ake i te ripa whenua.

There are 185 new community cases of COVID-19 to report today, 152 in Auckland, 25 in Waikato and 7 in Northland, with an additional case under investigation. There are no new active cases at the border.

Of these new cases, 104 are epidemiologically linked and 81 are yet to be linked. Of yesterday’s 147 cases, 43 people were potentially infectious in the community. The rest were in isolation during this time. There are 84 cases in hospital. Of these, 10 are in an intensive care or high dependency unit.

Of the 4,998 cases in the current outbreak, 91% (4,549) are not fully immunised. Of the 315 hospitalised cases in the current outbreak, 97% (305) are not fully immunised. For the purposes of this data, fully immunised means they received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before being reported as a case.

Yesterday, 26,633 tests were processed across New Zealand. For up-to-date information on all testing locations, please visit the Healthpoint website: https://www.HealthPoint.co.nz/covid-19/

Please remember to regularly check the Ministry of Health’s website for new locations of interest: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19/covid-19-contact-tracing-locations-interest

More information on cases in specific regions can be found in today’s media release here: https://www.health.govt.nz/news-media/media-releases/more-22000-vaccine-doses-given-yesterday-84-cases-hospital-185-community-cases

09/11/2021

Whangarei getting closer... now at 79% having received at least one dose.

But a huge shout out to our local community - patients enrolled at Kensington Health now at 86% for at least one dose!

Let's make it 90% within the month 👍

08/11/2021

Keep going team, still more needed to reach 90% here in Tai Tokerau 👍

Auckland will move to Alert Level 3, Step 2 at 11.59pm on Tuesday 9 November. Upper Northland will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm on Thursday 11 November. Parts of Waikato remains at Alert Level 3, Step 2, and the rest of New Zealand remains at Alert Level 2.

At Alert Level 3, Step 2:
✅ Retail can open, with customers keeping 2 metres apart. Staff and customers are required to wear face coverings.
✅ Public facilities such as museums and libraries can reopen, with face coverings and 2 metre physical distancing required. Please check the facility’s website for opening hours, and reopening dates.
✅ Outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people can go ahead, with the removal of the 2-household restriction. Physical distancing is strongly encouraged to help prevent the virus spreading between households.
✅ Outdoor recreation and organised exercise classes, like yoga and bootcamps, can expand to 25 people, including instructors, with 2-metre physical distancing strongly encouraged. Gyms, recreation centres, and swimming pools remain closed.

All other restrictions remain as in Step 1.

All Alert Level settings, including Waikato, will be reviewed on 15 November.

You can find out more at www.covid19.govt.nz/steps

06/11/2021

One new case of COVID-19 has been reported in Northland today and is the third reported since yesterday afternoon.

The case is linked to the Kaitaia cluster and is a close contact of a person from that group.

This brings the total of the current outbreak to 18 cases; there are 11 recovered and 7 active cases. Northland DHB also confirmed today that further testing of samples from the recent Mangamuka and Hokianga cases has established a link between these and an Auckland case.

All active cases are isolating and recovering at home, with wrap-around support from the DHB, including medical, wellbeing and social services.

Interviews by Public Health have determined that there are no new locations of interest in connection with any of the three cases. Northland DHB is grateful to these people who have isolated since being notified that they were close contacts.

“This is extremely helpful in helping us to minimise the spread of the current outbreak. To help us further, we need people to get tested if they have symptoms, and to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their community,” said Northland DHB Incident Controller Sarah Hoyle.

Those who live in or around Taipa, Kaingaroa, Awanui and Kaitaia and have had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last couple of weeks, are encouraged to get tested as soon as possible. There are Community Testing Centres and vaccination clinics open this weekend - for a complete list of locations and opening hours please see Healthpoint: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/

02/11/2021

Due to two unlinked community cases, upper Northland will move to Alert Level 3 from 11:59pm tonight. Cabinet will review these settings on Monday 8 November.

A boundary will be put in place which will run through the centre of the Hokianga Harbour to the Mangamuka Junction on SH1 to the Kaeo River Bridge on SH10 and East Bay to prevent any potential spread.

While today’s reported case is a household contact of a case reported yesterday, both cases are unlinked to the other cases in Northland at this stage. Today’s case brings the total number in the region to 14, with three people now recovered.

Contact tracing and public health interviews are underway to identify any locations of interest and close contacts. Northlanders can check the locations of interest here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19/covid-19-contact-tracing-locations-interest

Vaccination rates for Northland are currently at 79% for first doses, and 65% for second doses. These rates are not high enough for communities to be sufficiently protected in the case of a wider outbreak.

If you’re not vaccinated yet, book at BookMyVaccine.nz or visit www.covid19.govt.nz/vaccines for a walk-in or drive-through centre near you.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. You can find testing locations here: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/northland/

Guidance for travel in Northland:

• People can travel in and out of the Northland Alert Level 3 area for limited permitted reasons. This includes for work in permitted business and services.

• People can also cross into the Northland Alert Level 3 area from an Alert Level 2 area to work in any business or service which is open in the Alert Level 3 area.

• People cannot cross from the Northland Alert Level 3 area to work in an Alert Level 2 area, except for work in permitted businesses and services.

• If you are travelling in and out of the Northland Alert Level 3 area you are not required to provide evidence of a recent test.

• If you must travel, carry evidence of the purpose of travel and be prepared to explain reasons for travel should you be stopped at a checkpoint or spot check.

• A formal business travel document is not required however we recommend people source a letter from their employer confirming place of work and need to travel.

Find out more information about travel in Northland is on our website: www.covid19.govt.nz/northland