The government’s announcement of a deadline for the new Covid-19 alert system has put a spotlight on vaccination rates which will help determine the status of communities.

The traffic light system (with stages red, orange or green) will replace the alert level system for regulating activity during the pandemic next Friday (December 3).

The latest data provided by the Ministry of Health (as of Tuesday November 23) shows that 85 percent of the Upper Clutha’s eligible population is fully vaccinated with Wānaka township at 88 percent and rural areas (Hāwea Flat, Luggate, and other areas north of Albert Town excluding Hāwea township) on 76 percent.

The first dose rate for rural Upper Clutha is 84 percent compared to 92 percent for the region as a whole.

First dose rates by suburb across the Upper Clutha

The Southern District Health Board area is 85 percent fully vaccinated, with 93 percent of the eligible population having received one dose.

New Zealand is 84 percent and 92 percent respectively.  

Of the South Island’s other district health boards, South Canterbury is at 82 percent fully vaccinated; Canterbury at 86 percent; Nelson/Marlborough at 82 percent; and the West Coast is at 76 percent.

The government has indicated that Auckland will move to the Red setting at 11.59pm on Thursday December 2. Settings for the rest of New Zealand are yet to be decided.

Under the traffic light system the My Vaccine Pass will be required to access some events and venues. You can find out more about the My Vaccine Pass here.

Vaccinations can be booked at the Book My Vaccine website.

PHOTO: Supplied