Two further COVID-19 cases in Taranaki

21 December 2021

Today the Ministry of Health is reporting two new COVID-19 cases in Taranaki, each is linked to one of the two active clusters in Eltham and New Plymouth. Both are children.

The two new cases take the total number of active cases in the region to 32.

Taranaki DHB’s COVID-19 Response general manager, Gillian Campbell, says with two active clusters in the region it is vital people are aware of locations of interest, and virus symptoms.

“We know people are busy at this time of year and in full Christmas mode, but it’s important not to ignore cold and flu-like symptoms given we have community transmission in both North and South Taranaki at the moment.

“If you are sick stay home and get a test.

“The last thing you want to do at Christmas time is spread COVID-19 to your friends and wider family.

“No one is going to thank you if you give them Covid for Christmas.”

Taranaki residents who have symptoms – no matter how mild – and even if they are vaccinated are asked to, please, get tested, says Mrs Campbell.

“I also want to stress the importance of testing children who have flu-like symptoms as both of our Taranaki clusters involve children.”

Testing will remain available seven days a week in Taranaki throughout the festive period and pop-up clinics will be based at specific locations of interest or at exposure events if needed.