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COVID-19 update  

1 March 2021  

Auckland is at Alert Level 3. The rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2.

These Alert Levels came into effect from 6am on Sunday 28 February and will be in place for the next 7 days.

More about Alert Level 2 (rest of New Zealand)

More about Alert Level 3 (Auckland)  

At Alert Level 2, businesses and schools remain open but physical distancing of two metres is required and gatherings are limited to 100 people.  

If you are unwell 

 If you’re sick, stay home. Do not go to work or school. Do not socialise. 

  • If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline -- 0800 358 5453 -- and get advice about being tested. 
  • COVID-19 testing is free 
  • If you have been told to self-isolate you legally must do so immediately. 

  COVID-19 symptoms include: 

  • a new or worsening cough 
  • a fever of at least 38°C 
  • shortness of breath 
  • sore throat 
  • sneezing and runny nose  
  • temporary loss of smell. 

Keep track of where you’ve been 

You should keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. This helps with rapid contact tracing if it’s required. 

How to keep track of where you’ve been 

Face coverings

Face masks are now mandatory on all public transport in New Zealand and on all domestic flights. They are also encouraged when out and about in crowds or among strangers.

 

Health and hospital services at Alert Level 2

Health and Hospital services at Alert Level 2 

Primary health services are operating as normal but we encourage everyone in our hospital to maintain high hygiene standards. 

 

Visiting Whanganui Hospital at Alert Level 2  

  • All visitors will be asked to sign in.

  • Sometimes our staff may need to limit visitor numbers. 

  • Consider your need to visit the hospital if you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms. Please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you are concerned about COVID-19 symptoms or visit the community based assessment centre (CBAC) on the Whanganui Hospital campus
  • If you need emergency care, should go to Whanganui Emergency Department or Whanganui Accident Emergency on the Whanganui Hospital. We are here for you during all COVID-19 Alert Levels.
  • Wash your hands and use hand sanitiser regularly
  • Keep a record of where you have been using the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Tracer app to scan QR codes at the hospital and keep track of your movements. The more we scan, the safer we will be

Whanganui Hospital visiting hours are from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.       

Remember: If you are unwell, please stay away and phone Healthline or your GP for advice.

Whanganui Hospital visiting hours are from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.     

 

COVID-19 testing: Community based assessment centre (CBAC)                     

The CBAC on the Whanganui Hospital campus, which provides tests for COVID-19, will be open from 8am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

 

After-hours, COVID-19 testing is available at Whanganui Accident and Medical (WAM), which is situated at Whanganui Hospital and open 8am to 9pm, daily. General practices will also assess people who are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms, but please ring first.

 

COVID-19 testing: General practices 

General practices (GPs) in Raetihi, Taihape, Bulls and Marton can assess their rural communities – please ring first.                                                                                                                 

Change in CBAC COVID-19 testing hours

26 February 2021

 

From Monday, 1 March, the community based assessment centre (CBAC) on the Whanganui Hospital campus, which provides tests for COVID-19, will be open from 8am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

 

After-hours, COVID-19 testing is available at Whanganui Accident and Medical (WAM), which is situated at Whanganui Hospital and open 8am to 9pm, daily. General practices will also assess people who are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms, but please ring first.

 

Whanganui DHB general manager Patient Safety Quality and Innovation, Louise Allsopp, says the change reflects reduced demand, but the community will still be able to access testing if they are concerned about symptoms.

 

“We are able to be flexible with the CBAC hours, especially if Alert Levels change, or we see an increase in local people wanting to be assessed for COVID-19. We can quickly increase or decrease hours as needed,” says Ms Allsopp.

 

There is no charge for COVID-19 tests for unwell people, although a charge will remain for people accessing pre-departure testing for repatriation flights.

 

If the CBAC or WAM is closed, those who are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms can call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to speak to a health professional.

 

 

  • The total number of people with confirmed Covid-19 in the Whanganui Region is nine (9). 
  • All confirmed have now recovered. There have been no cases since April 2020.
  • Please visit Unite Against Covid or the Ministry of Health website for national information about Covid-19.