With Covid-19 cases rising fast across the Southern district, WellSouth medical director Dr Carol Atmore says everyone should be assured the majority of people who get Covid-19 will be able to safely self-manage at home and that healthcare is available when needed.

Case numbers in the Southern district jumped to 9,478 and within Queenstown Lakes, they increased by 183 overnight to reach 1719.

“Covid infections rates are rising in our district and people should be assured that we have been preparing for this,” Carol said. “There will be disruptions, we will have a few weeks ahead of us where cases will continue to rise, but we have been preparing.” 

“From what we have seen elsewhere, in Auckland and overseas, in people who are fully vaccinated who catch Omicron, it presents like a cold or mild flu and we’ve been living with cold and flu all our lives,” Carol said.

Most people, if they are fully vaccinated and otherwise healthy, will be able to self-manage at home, she said, but there is a range of additional care for people who need it.

Healthcare is always available

“Some people will get quite unwell and, in some instances, need hospital-level care,” Carol said. 

She said unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people are particularly prone to this, and people with several pre-existing health conditions or who are immune-compromised could also experience more severe symptoms and require more support and care.

Health providers across the Southern district have spent months preparing for Covid-19 care in the community.

Health providers in Southern - WellSouth primary health network, general practices, Southern District Health Board, St John, Public Health South, Ministry of Social Development and Māori and Pacific providers and others - have been working together for a number of months to get systems in place for Covid care in the community.

People who fall into the higher risk groups will receive a call from their general practice team or the clinician network of GPs, nurse practitioners and nurses, to see how they are getting on, Carol said. 

“Those who need it will be sent a pulse oximeter. Everyone can contact their usual health care provider if they feel they are becoming more unwell, whether they are self-managing or in contact with health provider teams during their Covid illness.”

Support for food and necessities

Other support – such as access to regular food and necessities - is being managed by the Ministry of Social Development along with Māori and Pacific Island health providers and other social agencies. 

Some Supported Isolation and Quarantine (SIQ) facilities are also available for those who can’t safely isolate at home and this is administered and managed by Southern DHB.

Prepare

“People should do what they can to be prepared, and look after themselves, but don’t hesitate to seek medical attention when you need it,” Carol said. 

“And stay home if you are unwell. It will help stop the spread. Wear your masks, wash your hands, use your QR codes – keep doing the basics right and that will help flatten the curve.”

If you are unwell or your symptoms worsen, contact your general practice, your usual health provider, general practice, Student Health or HealthLine on 0800 611 116.

PHOTOS: Supplied