| 18 Aug 2020

The South Canterbury general practices and the COVID-19 Testing Clinic have completed a total of 1,043 COVID-19 tests since Wednesday 12 August 2020, when all regions in New Zealand except for the Auckland moved to Alert Level 2. This includes 71 community and port staff COVID-19 tests that were completed by 1pm on Wednesday 18 August 2020.

We ask for people’s patience while they await results. If you had a COVID-19 test because you have symptoms, please remain in isolation while you await your results and remember to stay at home if you are sick.

If you have been tested as part of the surveillance work at the port you are not required to self-isolate as this surveillance testing was only for asymptomatic (healthy people) port staff as directed by the Ministry of Health.

Who should get tested COVID-19?  

If you have cold or flu symptoms, call your GP or Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 to check if you need to get tested for COVID-19. They will let you know the next steps and whether you should get a test. If they tell you to get tested, you should stay home while you wait for your test.

Symptoms include:

  • A cough
  • A high temperature of at least 38°C
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing and runny nose
  • Temporary loss of smell.

While uncertainty can be unsettling, there are some things we can do to keep ourselves and others safe, which can give us a sense of control and help us to be calm:

  • Most importantly - if you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise
  • Continue to practice good hand hygiene - it is a simple and effective tool to keep COVID-19 at bay
  • Remember to physical distance from other people when you’re out in public, including on transport - 2 metres when in public and 1 metre at work
  • Take a COVID-19 test if you’re offered one
  • Keep track of where you have been (use the NZ COVID-19 Tracer app).

Remember to look after your mental wellbeing - It's totally normal to feel a bit shaken and on-edge right now. These are truly extraordinary times.

There are some free apps and online self-help tools to help you manage your mental wellbeing. Looking after yourself now means you are more likely to stay well down the track.

Keep up the great work, be kind to each other and stay safe!

Media contact:

Karen Berry
Communications Manager
South Canterbury District Health Board
P: 03 687 2395 | M: 021 139 7442
kberry@scdhb.health.nz