21 Nov 2021

Positive case of Covid-19 confirmed in Hawke's Bay

11:58 am on 21 November 2021

Covid-19 swabbers are preparing for a rush of people in Hawke's Bay today, after news of a positive case.

Medical staff member with mask and protective equipment holds Coronavirus nasal swabs test tubes at drive-through testing point in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

Photo: 123RF

The person travelled to the area from Auckland, with a travel exemption.

The person is isolating and contacts are being tested.

Pukemokimoki Marae in Napier is one of two drive-through testing clinics open today.

Trustee Maureen Mua said she received a call from the DHB confirming the case yesterday evening, and rallied extra kaimahi for today's clinic.

She said the region's vaccination rates were still way behind - one quarter of Māori haven't had a single Pfizer dose - and she was nervous.

Home isolation needs are adding another layer of uncertainty to the announcement of the positive case.

Mua oversees a team of social workers who are concerned there is no managed isolation in Hawke's Bay.

She said staff are at high risk of burnout and may not get the Christmas holiday breaks they normally do.

She said university students on holiday have been given paid jobs, managing traffic and administration at the site, to reduce pressure on Covid-19 response teams.

The Ministry of Health has not yet listed locations of interest.

Hawke's Bay DHB medical officer of health Dr Rachel Eyre urged anyone with symptoms - no matter how mild - to get tested, even if they are vaccinated.

Drive in swabbing is available at Central Hawke's Bay Health Centre between 11am and 1.30pm and Pukemokimoki Marae between 10am and 3pm.

A test can also be booked at The Doctors Napier or Hastings Health Centre.

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