The total number of COVID-19 active cases in New Zealand has grown to 48 as another 13 new cases (12 confirmed and one probable) were revealed by the director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield today (Friday August 14).

All 13 new cases are linked to the South Auckland cluster, including two confirmed cases in Tokoroa. 

The two people from Tokaroa now confirmed with COVID-19 did visit an aged care rest home in Morrinsville before they became symptomatic. Residents and staff of the rest home, which has been in lockdown since Wednesday, have undergone testing.

All 38 family members and close contacts of the original South Auckland family are now in a quarantine facility in Auckland.

The most recent case is in hospital and the link to the South Auckland cluster is still being investigated.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in New Zealand reported to the World Health Organisation is 1251, including the 30 cases of the South Auckland cluster.

A community testing station (CBAC) has been established in Tokoroa and there are now 16 testing stations in Auckland. More than 15,700 tests were conducted yesterday and Ashley reinforced the request that only people with symptoms should undergo testing.

“Demand has been high ...and if you are not symptomatic and turn up at a CBAC it is possible you might be turned away,” he said. “We are focussing our testing... on the people who are at highest risk.”

Southern DHB medical officer of health, Dr Susan Jack said information about the new cases of community transmission in Auckland and news reports about people leaving Auckland to visit Queenstown had Southerners concerned about the potential spread of COVID-19.

“People are naturally anxious and there is a lot of concern in our community. While we are pleased that people are taking the situation seriously, we are concerned that unhelpful speculation is fuelling community fears.

“Anyone with any possible COVID symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, fever, cough, loss of smell should be tested. Please call your GP or 0800VIRUS19 to make an appointment for testing and stay at home. This includes young people with symptoms across our district.

“Everyone should follow the advice for the rest of New Zealand under alert level two with really good hand hygiene, physical distancing and wearing a mask where physical distancing is not possible.”

Susan said it was essential that people who are unwell do not visit staff or patients at the region’s hospitals. Anyone with the described symptoms will be turned away, she said.

“Similarly, if you have symptoms and want to be assessed or tested, please do not simply turn up at a general practice or emergency department. Please call first. This is important to keep other patients and staff safe.”

PHOTO: Supplied