The Covid-19 testing centre in Tairāwhiti has been impressed with the turnout today, and those going home to isolate are in good spirits.
Covid-19 testing (file image). Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
Two cases were reported in the region yesterday and the Peel Street testing centre re-opened this morning.
Around 50 people got tested during a three-hour window.
Tairaawhiti DHB Chief Executive Jim Green said some Christmas plans have been disrupted, but residents are still staying positive.
"It's a difficult day for everybody given that it is Christmas Day and normally people would be getting together, and now these two people are having to self isolate.
"So that's not so easy but they've all come in in good spirits and good intentions to help us out."
Most people who were tested were possible contacts of the the two cases, Green said.
The testing centre has closed for the day, but Three Rivers Medical Centre is testing until 6pm.
Both people who tested positive yesterday are in the same household - the second person has been in self-isolation and will remain there for another nine days.
The positive results follow repeated wastewater tests detecting Covid-19 in the Tairāwhiti area this month.
