One new COVID-19 case linked to Eltham cluster

6 January 2022

Today the Ministry of Health is reporting one new COVID-19 case in Taranaki.

The new case is a primary school aged child who is a household contact of a previous case and linked to the Eltham cluster. They have been in isolation across the festive period.

Taranaki currently has three active community cases, two in New Plymouth and one in Eltham. Two previous cases have recently recovered and been released from isolation.

Taranaki Base Hospital’s Emergency Department remains the only location of interest on the Ministry of Health’s website so far this week, following an exposure event between 6.30pm on Saturday 1 January – 12.00am on Sunday 2 January.

Taranaki’s COVID-19 Response Manager, Gillian Campbell, says most of the new locations of interest associated with the two cases announced yesterday are in the Bay of Plenty.

“As confirmed, these two people were going between the Bay of Plenty and Taranaki regions across the New Year holiday, and as our Public Health team continues to work with our new cases we advise Taranaki residents to keep checking the locations of interest for updates.”

Testing rates were slightly higher yesterday with 229 tests completed throughout the region.

“Everyone knows the drill, if you’re symptomatic do the right thing and get a test. It’s simple and easy and offers peace of mind. And if you still need to get your first, second or booster vaccination there’s no time like the present,” says Mrs Campbell.

Booster vaccinations in Taranaki have seen an increase this week, with over 1500 doses administered yesterday.

People will be able to book their booster vaccination appointment from January 17 on BookMyVaccine, or by calling 0800 28 29 26 (8am-8pm, 7 days).