Calls to get vaccinated & tested as covid found in wastewater
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: TAUPO DISTRICT COUNCIL | TOI TE ORA PUBLIC HEALTH | LAKES DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD
Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas is calling for everyone to keep safe, get tested and vaccinated, following the announcement that COVID-19 has been found in the Taupō wastewater system.
“It’s time to go to war against the virus,” Mr Trewavas said.
“Let’s get vaccinated, let’s get serious about mask-wearing, let’s scan and let’s social distance – we can do this.”
Mr Trewavas said the best way people could protect themselves was by ensuring they were vaccinated.
The current rate of vaccination as at 10 November in the Taupō district is 75% fully vaccinated and 87% first dose only.
“To protect our families, whanau and friends, let’s get these numbers up and keep staunch on masks and keeping safe distances.”
The Medical Officer of Health at Toi Te Ora Public Health, Dr Lynne Lane, added that it is important that anyone in the Taupō district or who has visited the district in the past week and who has COVID-19 symptoms should get tested, and remain isolated until they return a negative test result.
“The wastewater result is an indication that there could be a positive COVID-19 case in the community. Getting a COVID-19 swab if you are experiencing symptoms, is important to help contain further spread of the virus.
“It is also important to follow other health measures including wearing face coverings, using the COVID-19 tracer app, practicing good hand hygiene and social distancing.”
Dr Lane also stresses the importance of vaccination. “Getting fully vaccinated is key to protecting yourself and those you love against COVID-19.”
As a result of Taupō’s positive Covid-19 wastewater test, Lakes DHB is also increasing COVID-19 testing hours in Taupō.
Covid-19 Testing (Swabbing) Centre at 79 Miro Street Taupo will be open daily from 9.00am – 3.00pm.
Lakes DHB Chief Executive Nick Saville-Wood said it is becoming more urgent for people to be vaccinated to protect their whānau, whakapapa and community and ensure health services are not overwhelmed.
COVID-19 Immunisation Hub is at 6/29 Totara Street Taupō will be open for drop-in as follows;
- Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
- Saturday 8.30am – 4.30pm
- Sunday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Unichem Mainstreet Pharmacy: Walk-in vaccinations between 9.30am and 7.30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Open for booked vaccinations 6pm to 7.30pm every day except Saturday, bookings at bookmyvaccine.nz.
Turangi Drive Thru Vaccines & Testing Stations
- Saturday 10am – 2pm
- Sunday 11am - 1pm
At the Tūrangi Community Health Centre carpark – 28 Te Rangitautahanga Road, Tūrangi
COVID-19 vaccination is also available:
- Saturday 9am to 1pm Taupō Health Centre, 113 te Heuheu St, drop-in
- Saturday 10am to 2pm Tutemohuta Community Hall, Waitahanui drop-in, spot prizes, kai – thanks to Tūwharetoa Health Charitable Services
Testing and vaccination information is available on Health Point here.
Lakes DHB’s Facebook page has daily updates on where to get tested. To book an appointment go to www.bookmyvaccine.nz or call 0800 28 29 26
Contacts:
Taupō District Council - Laurilee McMichael, Communications Team Lead 027 297 4184 or media@taupo.govt.nz
Toi Te Ora Public Health - Tione Chinula, Communications Advisor, toiteora.communications@bopdhb.govt.nz
Lakes DHB – Dana Kinita, Communications Manager, 027 242 3652
