With an increasing number of Covid cases in the community, Lakes DHB is urging the general public to get vaccinated and to follow the Covid-19 health advice.

There have been 14 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Rotorua on Saturday, taking the number of actives cases in the Lakes DHB region to a total of 41. Of these, 36 are in Rotorua and five in Taupō.

Health advice includes to wear a face mask in public, scan everywhere you go, regularly wash your hands, maintain physical distancing, get tested if advised or if you have symptoms, and stay home if you are unwell.

Rotorua Mayor, Steve Chadwick, also encourages the community to stay vigilant and get tested if symptomatic.

'As anticipated, we are beginning to see cases of Covid-19 emerge in our community and this is a very good reminder to remain vigilant in our response to the virus,” says Chadwick.

'Vaccination and following public health advice remains our best defence against COVID-19 and now is a good time for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to prepare for a situation where they, or a whānau or household member, may get Covid-19 and need to isolate at home.

'Council is part of cross-sector agency group that has been preparing for a community outbreak and has been able to respond to the emerging cases quickly. The team is working hard to manage the current cases and reduce the risk of further transmission in our community.

'If you are symptomatic, or if you are concerned you may have been exposed to a case, I strongly encourage you to get tested. The more information we have, the better equipped we are to respond appropriately.

'While we've been living with Covid-19 for a couple of years now, the situation continues to evolve and new challenges continue to arise. Covid fatigue is evident among us but simply ignoring the risk won't make it go away. I urge everyone to remain vigilant in their effort to protect themselves and those around them from the virus and to continue to be kind and patient with each other as we navigate this complex environment,” says Chadwick.

A cross-sector agency group has been working together for some months to plan for and provide care in the community for people who have tested positive for Covid, and their whānau, who are self-isolating at home.

Cross-sector Care in the Community groups are set up in both Taupō and Rotorua and include Lakes DHB, Ministry of Social Development, councils, local iwi Te Arawa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa Whānau Ora, Police, PHOs (RAPHS and Pinnacle Midland Health Network), and Toi Te Ora Public Health. Other agencies can be called in when necessary to support any response.

The cross sector groups ensure a co-ordinated response to planning, resources, welfare support and clinical care of people isolating in the community.

'If you have symptoms of Covid-19, even if mild, get tested,” says a Lakes DHB spokesperson.

The Covid testing station in Rotorua is at the Copthorne Hotel, entrance off Ward Ave, 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Sunday.

In Taupō the testing station is at 79 Miro St from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Sunday.

'The best thing people can do to protect themselves, their whānau and community is to get vaccinated.”

The Rotorua Covid-19 Immunisation Hub is in the Central Mall, next to Noel Leeming.

In Taupō the Immunisation Hub is at Totara Point shops opposite the Hospice Shop.

Operating hours for both immunisation hubs are:

Tuesday 10am – 5.30pm (last appt 5pm)

Wednesday 7.30am – 4pm (last appt 3.50pm)

Thursday 10am – 5.30pm (last appt 5pm)

Friday 7.30am – 4pm (last appt 3.50pm)

Saturday 8.30am – 4.30pm (last apt 3.50pm)

Or check Healthpoint www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/

Information about Covid-19 in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes Districts, and about how to prepare to isolate in the community, is available on Toi Te Ora Public Health's website at https://toiteora.govt.nz/public/covid-19/