Two more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taranaki, brings total to four
22 March 2020
Taranaki has another two people with confirmed COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed people to four for the region.
Taranaki’s Public Health Unit has confirmed a 58 year old male and a 25 year old male from Taranaki, both with recent international travel history, have tested positive for COVID-19. For travel and flight details relating to these two people please refer to the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) website www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-current-cases
Taranaki DHB’s chief medical advisor, Dr Greg Simmons says “The patients are currently in self isolation at home and we are now tracing those who’ve had contact with them and who may be at risk of exposure.
“Our Public Health team will closely monitor these people and work with those who may have been in close contact to ensure testing is completed if anyone has symptoms, provide them with appropriate health care and any other support they may need.
New Zealand has been moved up to COVID-19 Alert Level 2, Reduce Contact, and the MoH is heightening awareness around the risk of community transmission.
Dr Simmons warns “If you are at high-risk, you are advised to stay at home. This includes if you are over 70, have a compromised immune system or have underlying health conditions. Please follow this advice.”
ADVICE ON COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
To minimise the spread of this new virus our advice remains the same: cover coughs and sneezes, wash and dry your hands thoroughly especially after coughing or sneezing, and stay at home if you are sick.
If you are experiencing symptoms please call the dedicated healthline number - 0800 358 5453 or ring ahead to your GP. They will direct you for testing or treatment if necessary.
For more health information please visit the Ministry of Health website www.health.govt.nz
For more public-focused all-of-government information please visit covid19.govt.nz
Last updated: Sunday, March 22, 2020