While Raglan and Waikato Covid new daily cases bumped up to 670 on the 5th April, the decline resumed finishing on the 8th with a drop to 447. The slower decline now looks as if case numbers will be down to 400 by the middle of next week.
Data released by Waikato DHB shows that Covid cases in Raglan, Waikato areas and Hamilton are continuing to track down. For our graph we have combined new daily cases numbers in Hamilton City, Raglan and other Waikato District areas (e.g. Tamahere, Whatawhata, Ngaruawahia, Huntly and Gordonton). Starting from a high level of over 1200 daily cases in early March, the numbers plateaued at about 1000 then began to slowly drop down to just over half the peak to 785 on 25th March. They are now tracking at about one third of the peak and are likely to be about 400 by 12th April.
The slow decline may be due to a plateau in the number of people having the Omicron booster with many people not having the optimum protection for Omicron . With just 21 locals having the Omicron booster vax in the last week, progress has stalled in Raglan Whāingaroa. Data released by Waikato DHB on 6th April shows that the low progress made with Whāingaroa residents receiving the Covid booster vaccination, means that with the increase in those eligible there are 1872 eligible Raglanites who have not received it yet.
Overall in the Waikato DHB area there were 854 new cases reported on Friday 8th April.
The total number of cases in this Waikato outbreak is now 68,459 (7070 active and 61,389 recovered).
There were 300 vaccinations given in the Waikato DHB area on Thursday 7th April.
There are 63 COVID-19 positive individuals receiving care at Waikato DHB hospitals – this is a mix of patients who are receiving care for COVID-19 and those receiving care for an unrelated condition who have also tested positive. One patient is in HDU, two patients are in ICU.
The Omicron booster vax is available in Raglan at:
Raglan Medical – phone to make an appointment 07 825 0114
Mon – Fri 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Raglan Pharmacy – walk in or make an appointment 07 825 8164
Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
NEED A TEST?
Raglan Rapid Antigen Testing (RATs) Community Collection Site operated by Waikato DHB is at Raglan Rugby Sports Club, Cross St, Raglan. It is open Mon to Sun from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
People should only get tested if they have cold or flu symptoms, have been identified as household contact of a positive COVID-19 case and need a day 3 or day 7 test, or have been asked to get tested by a health official. Symptoms can be different for everyone. Be vigilant. If you notice anything developing, even a tickle in the throat, get a test. The most common early symptoms of the Omicron variant are a sore or scratchy throat, and a runny nose.
Free Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now the primary form of testing in the community for people who have symptoms or are a Household Contact. You can pick up a test at our community collection centres. Some sites are offering supervised RAT tests.
Free RAT home testing kits can now be ordered online: https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/
or free call at 0800 222 478 option 3.
To make a request via the website, you will need to have access to a mobile phone to validate the order. RATs can be requested on behalf of someone else.
To find a RAT collection site visit www.waikatodhb.health.nz/cbac or check out the pinned post on our facebook page.
Report all RAT results
Report the results of your RATs, if they’re positive or negative, online at My Covid Record
Parents and caregivers can use My Covid Record to report RAT results for children under 12 and other family members. If you are having trouble using My Covid Record, you can call 0800 222 478 and choose option 3
If you test positive, you will need to isolate for at least 7 days while you recover. You don’t need to call your GP to report a positive test result. For more information visit Covid19.govt.nz/positive
Everyone else in your household needs to self-isolate and get tested. Go to Covid19.govt.nz/household for more details.
Managing your symptoms with COVID-19
For most people, COVID-19 will be managed at home while isolating with rest, fluids and paracetamol.
You don’t need to call your GP to let them know you have had a positive test result.
If you need any advice on how to treat your symptoms or have worsening symptoms call Healthline on 0800358 5433. If you need a clinical appointment contact your GP/primary care team.
If you or a family member become very unwell or has difficulty breathing, severe chest pain or discomfort, fainting or become unconscious, call 111 immediately. Let them know you are isolating with COVID-19. There is no cost to call an ambulance when you have COVID-19.
Welfare and manaaki support is available through our Waikato DHB COVID-19 Integrated Coordination Centre on 0800 220 250, seven days a week from 8am – 8pm. Our team will guide you through the next steps.
Also you can ask for welfare and manaaki support at Here to help u www.heretohelpu.nz
BE PREPARED FOR COVID-19
Everyone, whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, should prepare for what you need to do if you get COVID-19. Find out how at covid19.govt.nz/be-prepared-for-covid-19
COVID-19 Health Hub
For online support information if you test positive or are exposed to COVID-19 visit the COVID-19 Health Hub covid19.health.nz/advice
LEARN MORE ABOUT OMICRON
Learn more about our response to Omicron