COVID-19 testing steady in Eltham today
12 December 2021
Testing numbers have been steady across Taranaki today (Sunday) following yesterday’s confirmation of a COVID-19 community case in the rural town of Eltham.
Around 200 tests were completed at testing clinics in the region – 50 in New Plymouth, 25 in Hāwera and 120 in Eltham. There was also a high demand for surveillance saliva testing on offer in Eltham.
Taranaki DHB’s COVID-19 Response General Manager, Gillian Campbell, says good collaboration between Taranaki health providers was key to today’s successful testing.
“Huge thanks to our Māori Health providers Ngaruahine Iwi Health Services and Ngati Ruanui Healthcare for standing up testing in the Eltham community so quickly today, we really appreciate their support during these challenging times,” she added.
“We’re still encouraging anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, to get tested as soon as possible. And for those who haven’t been vaccinated yet, please make this a priority. It’s important we all do our part to protect our region.”
Testing
Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should get tested. Clinics will be open at;
- Base Hospital New Plymouth 9am – 3pm
- Hāwera Hospital 10am – 2pm
- Eltham Kohanga Reo, 24 York Street, 10am – 1pm (run by Ngaruahine)
Anyone not experiencing symptoms, but who wishes to be tested, should have a surveillance saliva test. These are available at:
- Eltham Main Road, 9.30am – 1pm (run by Ngati Ruanui)
Vaccination
Eltham Pharmacy, with support from Taranaki DHB, will be open for vaccinations from 9am tomorrow. Vaccination clinics will also be open on Tuesday (14 Dec) and Wednesday (15 Dec), depending on demand. Anyone who has taken a swab test should wait for a negative result before being vaccinated.