New Omicron case numbers plateauing at about 200 a day have left Raglan and the Waikato with a long Omicron tail. On a population basis this means that every day there are still about 4 new cases showing up from testing in Whāingaroa. It seems that this number of cases will be with us for awhile. This works out to about 35 active cases in Whāingaroa resulting in Raglan businesses are still saying they are short-staffed from time-to-time and meetings are being switched to Zoom at short notice.
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. As we predicted a week ago, new cases are now tracking at about 200 each day.
On Friday 6th May there were 458 new cases reported in the Waikato DHB area.
The total number of cases in this Waikato outbreak is now 84,812 (3407 active and 81,405 recovered).
There were 69 vaccinations given in Waikato on Thursday 5th.
There are 33 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. Three patients are in HDU.
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.
If you are wanting a Covid -19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) you can now book online or you can call an 0800 number.
Two ways are available to request RATs:
- Via the new website: requestrats.covid19.health.nz
- Via a free call at 0800 222 478 option 3
RATS are free under the public health response for those who need a test – household contacts and people with symptoms.
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.
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
COVID-19 VACCINATION
Protect the ones you love so they can keep doing what they love. Whether it’s your first, second or booster dose vaccination is still our best protection against COVID-19.
TAMARIKI VACCINATIONS
With Omicron cases in our communities, now’s the time to get your school-aged tamariki immunised against COVID-19. Tamariki aged 5 to 11 will receive a children’s (paediatric) version of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine protects your child, your whānau and your community.
BOOST YOUR WHĀNAU PROTECTION.
Rangatahi aged 16 or 17 can now get a booster six months after completing their primary course.
If you’re 18 and over you can get your booster dose three months after your last dose. The booster reduces the severity of illness if you get Omicron. It means you’re much less likely to end up in hospital than if you don’t have a booster.
After you have had COVID-19 – Once you’ve recovered and if you have not been vaccinated or had your booster, it is recommended you still get vaccinated. You should wait 3 months after recovery before getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
You can get your vaccination at any of our community clinics and also at GPs and pharmacies throughout your area.
Drop-ins available at most sites. To find a walk-in today or book go to https://bookmyvaccine.nz
Also, see our mobile vaccination page www.waikatodhb.health.nz/covid19mobile
or
www.waikatodhb.health.nz/covid19vaccination
or
www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19-vaccination/waikato