There are 147 new cases of Covid-19 in Queenstown Lakes, bringing the active total to 921.

The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) does not provide a breakdown of cases within Queenstown Lakes so the Wānaka App cannot provide Wānaka specific case numbers.

Across the region there are 1,065 new cases and an active total of 6,688 cases.

There are 105 new cases in Central Otago; 51 in Clutha; 412 in Dunedin; 43 in Gore; 173 in Invercargill; 83 in Southland; and 45 in Waitaki.

The SDHB said Covid-19 is prevalent throughout the Southern region with numbers continuing to be around 1,000 per day.  

“Our district has entered the ‘long tail’ of Covid-19 and, as we enter the cooler months, it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant and follow the simple public health guidelines that we all now know: wear a mask correctly, test if you have symptoms, and stay home until you receive a negative test result or are a household contact of a confirmed case,” the SDHB said.

Covid-19 hospitalisations remain high across the Southern district as the virus has spread into our older population. 

There are 41 people hospitalised with Covid-19 in the region: 25 in Dunedin; 13 in Southland; two in Dunstan; and one in Queenstown. Two are in Dunedin ICU.

“Those over the age of 65 have a higher chance of complications as a result of Covid-19 infection and thus a higher likelihood of requiring hospitalisation,” the SDHB said.

“The SDHB encourages anyone in this age group to get boosted if they have not yet done so. A booster dose is your best defence against Covid-19 hospitalisation.”

The SDHB reminded people that now is also a good time to get your annual flu inoculation. 

“Many people end up in hospital because of seasonal flu and it is now more important than ever that we keep the stress off our hospitals by doing all we can to stay healthy and well. Flu vaccinations are free for many people across New Zealand. If you qualify for a free flu shot, please get yours today.”

IMAGE: Supplied