Latest information from Whanganui DHB emergency operations centre –

Whanganui region has three confirmed cases of COVID-19. The three confirmed cases are all in the Ruapehu District and are New Zealanders who flew back to New Zealand from overseas and began their self-isolation. They have been fully compliant with quarantine requirements and do not need to be in hospital.

More information below. He waka eke noa – We are in this together.

28 March 2020
The Ministry of Health announced at 1.00pm today that three people in the Whanganui Region are confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

The three confirmed cases are all in the Ruapehu District and are New Zealanders who flew back to New Zealand from overseas and began their self-isolation. They have been fully compliant with quarantine requirements and do not need to be in hospital.

Whanganui District Health Board Chief Executive Russell Simpson says the DHB, iwi, the health sector and the wider community have plans in place for dealing with confirmed cases.

“We have trained people and systems in place to manage cases, prevent spread and protect the health of our region.”

Public Health staff have been in daily contact with the three people who are all in one house. Staff are providing daily welfare checks with the three people. They are also receiving drop-offs of food and essential supplies.

“I want to reiterate to the community how vitally important it is that people stay home, within their own bubble, so we can contain COVID-19.

“We also remind people to phone, or use the internet, to contact loved-ones, especially those who are vulnerable in our community,” Mr Simpson says.

Key Whanganui Region Health information

  • Three cases of coronavirus COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Whanganui region as at 1.00pm on Saturday, 28 March 2020.
  • These three people are self-isolating in one house in the Ruapehu District.
  • We ask people to stay home, and to look after themselves, and the people they care most for.
  • We can slow the spread if we all work together.
  • Remember to regularly wash your hands and dry them well.
  • And always cough and sneeze into your elbow.
  • Reminder – Hospital visiting is only for patients at end stage of life, in the Critical Care Unit, Maternity Unit and one parent for children in the Children’s Ward.
  • Whanganui hospital is open 24/7 for acute cases and those patients who need urgent care.

 For more information

If you are unwell:

  • Phone the COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
  • If you are going to your general practice (GP) – phone first.
  • If you are so unwell you need to come to the hospital ED – phone first.

 

Ruapehu EOC Situation Report

Read the latest situation updates from the Ruapehu Emergency Operations Centre at
https://www.ruapehudc.govt.nz/…/coro…/Pages/default.aspx

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