Source: Waikato District Health Board
There were 90 new cases reported in Te Whatu Ora Waikato region today.
The total number of cases in this Waikato outbreak as shown below is now 142,169 (909 active and 141,260 recovered).
There are 17 COVID-19 positive individuals receiving care at Te Whatu Ora Waikato hospitals – this is a mix of patients who are receiving care for COVID-19 and those receiving care for an unrelated condition who have also tested positive. There are currently no patients in ICU or HDU.
Note: The Ministry of Health have moved to weekly reporting for cases (Mondays). Cases may differ slightly from those reported at a district level because of different reporting cut off times and the assignment of cases between regions.
NEED A TEST?
People should only get tested if they have cold or flu symptoms, if you live with someone who has COVID-19 – we recommend to test each day for 5 days.
Symptoms can be different for everyone. Be vigilant. If you notice anything developing, even a tickle in the throat, get a test. The most common early symptoms of the Omicron variant are a sore or scratchy throat, and a runny nose.
Free Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now the primary form of testing in the community for people who have symptoms or are a Household Contact. You can pick up a test at our community collection centres. Some sites are offering supervised RAT tests.
Free RAT home testing kits can now be ordered online: https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/
or free call at 0800 222 478 option 3.
To make a request via the website, you will need to have access to a mobile phone to validate the order. RATs can be requested on behalf of someone else.
To find a RAT collection site visit www.waikatodhb.health.nz/cbac or check out the pinned post on our facebook page.
Report all RAT results
Report the results of your RATs, if they’re positive or negative, online at My Covid Record
Reporting your results means you can get the help you need as early as possible.
Parents and caregivers can use My Covid Record to report RAT results for children under 12 and other family members. If you are having trouble using My Covid Record, you can call 0800 222 478 and choose option 3
If you test positive, you will need to isolate for at least 7 days while you recover. You don’t need to call your GP to report a positive test result. For more information visit Covid19.govt.nz/positive
Everyone else in your household needs to self-isolate and get tested. Go to Covid19.govt.nz/household for more details.
Managing your symptoms with COVID-19
For most people, COVID-19 will be managed at home while isolating with rest, fluids and paracetamol.
You don’t need to call your GP to let them know you have had a positive test result.
If you need any advice on how to treat your symptoms or have worsening symptoms call Healthline on 0800358 5433. If you need a clinical appointment contact your GP/primary care team.
If you or a family member become very unwell or has difficulty breathing, severe chest pain or discomfort, fainting or become unconscious, call 111 immediately. Let them know you are isolating with COVID-19. There is no cost to call an ambulance when you have COVID-19.
Welfare and manaaki support is available through our Waikato DHB COVID-19 and Immunisation Hub on 0800 220 250, seven days a week from 8am – 6pm. Our team will guide you through the next steps.
Also you can ask for welfare and manaaki support at Here to help u www.heretohelpu.nz
BE PREPARED FOR COVID-19
Everyone, whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, should prepare for what you need to do if you get COVID-19. Find out how at covid19.govt.nz/be-prepared-for-covid-19
COVID-19 Health Hub
For online support information if you test positive or are exposed to COVID-19 visit the COVID-19 Health Hub covid19.health.nz/advice
COVID-19 VACCINATION
Protect the ones you love so they can keep doing what they love. Whether it’s your first, second or booster dose vaccination is still our best protection against COVID-19.
TAMARIKI VACCINATIONS
With Omicron cases in our communities, now’s the time to get your school-aged tamariki immunised against COVID-19. Tamariki aged 5 to 11 will receive a children’s (paediatric) version of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine protects your child, your whānau and your community.
BOOST YOUR WHĀNAU PROTECTION.
Rangatahi aged 16 or 17 can now get a booster six months after completing their primary course.
If you’re 18 and over you can get your booster dose three months after your last dose. The booster reduces the severity of illness if you get Omicron. It means you’re much less likely to end up in hospital than if you don’t have a booster.
Second boosters are now available for everyone aged 50+ and for priority groups including health workers aged 30+, and people aged 16+ with a disability or health condition that increases the risk of severe illness with COVID-19.
After you have had COVID-19 – Once you’ve recovered and if you have not been vaccinated or had your booster, it is recommended you still get vaccinated. You should wait 3 months after recovery before getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
You can get your vaccination at any of our community clinics and also at GPs and pharmacies throughout your area.
Drop-ins available at most sites. To find a walk-in today or book go to https://bookmyvaccine.nz
Also, see our mobile vaccination page www.waikatodhb.health.nz/covid19mobile
or
www.waikatodhb.health.nz/covid19vaccination
or
www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-vaccination/waikato
