Central Hawke’s Bay Prepared to Respond as COVID-19 Detected in Neighbouring District

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker asks the community to remain vigilant and confident, following the news that positive COVID-19 cases have been detected in the neighbouring Tararua District over the weekend.

Advice from the Ministry of Health and Hawke’s Bay District Health Board is that anyone who is feeling unwell, particularly if they have travelled to Tararua’s Woodville, Pahiatua and Dannevirke, or Feilding, Taupō or Rotorua, get tested.

Recent travellers to these locations should also keep an eye on potential locations of interest as notified on the Ministry of Health’s website.

Mayor of Central Hawke’s Bay, Alex Walker, says that she has been meeting with the Regional Leadership Group of Council, Iwi, District Health Board and government agencies for several months, to ensure a robust plan is in place if and when COVID-19 does arrive in the district.

“I know that it’s unsettling for us here in Central Hawke’s Bay, to hear the Ministry of Health report COVID-19 Delta cases are now as close as Tararua.

“I want the community to feel assured that Central Hawke’s Bay is strongly represented in ongoing planning with Hawke's Bay District Health Board, Iwi and healthcare providers to make sure that Central Hawke’s Bay is cared for and prioritised in preparing for potential cases that may eventually present themselves here in our district.”

Mayor Walker says that she is pleased to know that Hawke’s Bay District Health Board is “upping the ante” by activating its full-scale COVID-19 emergency response structure this week.

“Setting up testing, vaccination and communication for the Central Hawke’s Bay community is vital, it is not acceptable for anyone to fall through the cracks.”

“If you have cold and flu symptoms, please get a test – whether you’re vaccinated or not. I am very pleased that we also now have testing available without appointments in response to these new cases so close to us.”

“If you’re not vaccinated, make an appointment as soon as you can. Being vaccinated is the best chance we have of protecting ourselves, and our community – especially those vulnerable people and children that can’t be vaccinated themselves,” said Mayor Walker.

Additional no-appointment testing stations have been made available in Central Hawke’s Bay in response to the latest cases announced.

Regular weekly vaccination clinics are held at the Waipawa Clubrooms in Coronation Park, or at Unichem Waipukurau.

Vaccination rates in Central Hawke’s Bay have been accelerating quickly – with the district topping the national charts in October’s Super Saturday. That has continued and 87% of the eligible Central Hawke’s Bay population have had at least one vaccination, with 75% fully vaccinated.

15 November 2021

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