The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) has announced there are 1,212 new cases of Covid-19 across the Southern region, with an active total of 8,091.

In the Queenstown Lakes District there are 185 new cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,231.

The SDHB does not provide a breakdown of cases within the district so the Wānaka App cannot provide Wānaka case numbers.

There are 71 new cases in Central Otago; 75 in Clutha; 343 in Dunedin; 50 in Gore; 295 in Invercargill; 121 in Southland; and 70 in Waitaki.

There are 16 people in hospital in Dunedin, eight in Southland, and one in Dunstan Hospital (Clyde). Two of the Dunedin patients are in ICU.

The SDHB is urging people who received their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccination more than three months ago (and are over the age of 18) to get their booster dose.

“For many people, an Omicron infection will be mild,” SDHB medical officer of health Dr Susan Jack said. “But the reason for a mild illness is because of having received a booster vaccine. Having your booster vaccine doesn't just mean you are more likely to have a mild illness, it decreases the likelihood that you will end up in hospital because of Covid-19 infection.”  

If you haven't gone to get your booster vaccination yet, get it now, the SDHB said. “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build full protection against Covid-19, so the time to act is now.”

If you have any questions about Covid-19, self-isolation, or what you need to do if you test positive, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453. 

If you are self-isolating and require welfare support such as help getting groceries, please call 0800 512 337.  

If you have concerns about Covid-19 symptoms, please call your general practice or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 at any time. If you are very unwell or having breathing difficulties, please call 111 immediately.  

IMAGE: Supplied