The number of new cases of Covid-19 in the Southern District may appear to be slowing but it does not necessarily mean the district has reached its peak.

There are 138 new cases of Covid-19 in Queenstown Lakes and an active total of 1,125; across the Southern District 958 new cases and 7,941 active cases.

The district health board warned the public that a consistent fall in numbers across the Southern district for several days will be required to be sure the district has reached its peak in the Omicron outbreak.

It also warned against complacency in the face of loosening restrictions.

“Even though restrictions are being loosened, COVID-19 and Omicron are still very real viruses,” the SDHB said in a statement.

There are 63 new cases in Central Otago; 45 in Clutha; 320 in Dunedin; 35 in Gore; 210 in Invercargill; 94 in Southland; and 50 in Waitaki.

Last week the SDB said hospital admissions were due to climb in the coming weeks, as the current outbreak reaches the older and more vulnerable members of the community, and today hospitalisation numbers have increased.

There are 22 people in hospital in the Southern District: 16 in Dunedin; 13 in Southland; one in Queenstown Lakes and two in Dunstan.

One person, in Dunedin, is in the ICU with Covid-19.

The SDHB also reiterated that individuals will have the best chance of protection by ensuring they have had two vaccinations and a booster shot.

SDHB medical officer of health Dr Susan Jack warned that while many Omicron infections will produce only mild symptoms, “the reason for a mild illness is because of having received a booster vaccine.”

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

For help accessing Covid-19 testing in the Southern region and to find your nearest testing center please call the WellSouth call center on 0800 VIRUS19 (0800 847 8719).  

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