No new COVID-19 cases as Taranaki prepares to go into Red

23 January 2022

Taranaki, along with the rest of New Zealand, will move to the Red setting of the Covid Protection Framework (CPF) at 11:59pm tonight to slow the spread of Omicron which has been identified in communities around the country.

Taranaki DHB’s COVID-19 response manager, Gillian Campbell, says there are no new COVID-19 cases in Taranaki to report, but everyone needs to be prepared for possible community transmission.

“As a region we need to be prepared for the ‘stamp it out’ phase and contain the virus if it enters into Taranaki.

“Our Public Health team are currently working on the exposure events linked with the Air New Zealand flights that flew into New Plymouth and left the next day which had a positive crew member onboard. All close contacts have been contacted and are isolating and getting tested for COVID-19.

Flight information is as follows:

• Flight NZ 5049 from Auckland to New Plymouth at 7.50 pm on 19 January
  
• Flight NZ 5042 from New Plymouth to Auckland at 1.50 pm on 20 January

Mrs Campbell says “There are no locations of interest to report for Taranaki at this stage, but we urge anyone in the region who has cold or flu-like symptoms to get tested as soon as possible. We can’t afford to take any chances with the highly transmissible Omicron.”

COVID-19 testing remains available seven days a week in Taranaki and Mrs Campbell says the health sector is prepared for resurgence.

“We have met with our healthcare providers and there are plans in place to increase workforce capacity around testing and vaccination if needed. We are collaborating to ensure everyone has what they need to assist the community if we have an outbreak.”

Taranaki DHB’s medical officer of health, Dr Jonathan Jarman, says Omicron is significantly more infectious, but with people getting their vaccinations, wearing face coverings, and getting tested if unwell and staying at home, we can limit the threat of Omicron in our community.

“We’ve managed to stamp out Delta three times in Taranaki in the last few months so need to give this Omicron variant our best shot as well. 

“I strongly recommend a booster if it is more than four months since you completed your primary course of vaccinations. I also encourage parents and caregivers to get their children aged 5-11 vaccinated as well, as it not only protects them but also reduces the chances of COVID-19 coming into your household.”