Kiingi Tuheitia encourages whaanau to stay alert and adhere to the lockdown guidelines. He reminds everyone that upholding the wellbeing of our people is of the utmost importance, and that staying home, getting whaanau organised to be vaccinated, and going to get a test if you have any symptoms are the best ways we can protect our whaanau.

A person arrived at Middlemore Hospital emergency department yesterday morning just after 10am with an undiagnosed case of COVID-19. It was particularly alarming to learn that the person who tested positive reported that they had not been to any locations of interest, in contact with anyone with the virus, and did not have any COVID-19 related symptoms. The person is now in managed isolation and the origin of this case is being investigated. However, we should all take it as an important reminder to get tested if we show any symptoms. There are several testing stations across South Auckland listed here. Whaanau in Taamaki in need of emergency services are encouraged to continue to go to Middlemore Hospital, as adequate precautions have been taken to ensure public safety.

We know some whaanau are getting hoohaa with the restrictions of the lockdowns. We want to acknowledge the sacrifice and excellent job whaanau in Taamaki are doing to keep us all safe. We continue to encourage whaanau to reach out for support – for any reason – to call us on 0800 TAINUI.  

Kia kaha tonu taatou ki te whai i ngaa tikanga haumaru, ki te kaainga, ki aa taatou mirumiru hoki. Remember to wear your masks, wash your hands, and stay at home.

Key updates

• There are 11 new cases of COVID-19 today, all of which are in Auckland. 
• This brings the outbreak to 879 cases, 288 of whom have recovered. 
• Twenty -seven cases are in hospital, and four of those are in ICU all four being ventilated. 
• Taamaki will remain at Alert Level 4 for at least another week and whaanau are encouraged to stay home, stay strong, and stay kind. 
• There are several locations of interest added today for source investigation. The advice for people who visited these locations of interest at these times is to get tested immediately, with no requirement to self-isolate unless you have symptoms.
• The full list of locations of interest continues to shrink. This is because historical locations are being removed and the effect of lockdown can be seen as there are fewer new locations added. However, it is still important that whaanau check any new locations.
• Anyone who visited these locations at the stated date and time must self-isolate, contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and get tested. 
• Household members of people who were at locations of interest must also self-isolate until that person has returned a negative test.
• Dr Bloomfield said it was critical this weekend there are high testing numbers, particularly in Auckland. Anyone with cold or flu symptoms is encouraged to get tested. Visit Health Point to find testing centres near you. 

0800 TAINUI

Hiki te wairua 

Vaccinations 

• Vaccinations are continuing and anyone with an existing booking should attend their appointment unless notified otherwise, or if they are feeling unwell.
• Anyone over the age of 12 can book their vaccination now at Book My Vaccine. 
• A number of drive-through and walk-in vaccination clinics are popping up across the motu including those listed below.
• Efforts are being made to increase vaccination rate of essential workers, prioritising those in customer-facing roles.
• Extensive research and testing has confirmed that the Pfizer vaccine is safe for 12-15-year-olds. This age group can receive the vaccine from 1 September, OR eligible parents (those over 40) can book their children at the same time as themselves. 
• Maaori and Pasifika can book the whole whaanau at one time as soon as one member is eligible. 
• The government assures us that the supply chain is strong and there are enough doses for everyone to be vaccinated.

Walk-in or drive-through vaccinations   

COVID-19 testing centres 

• Tests are free (unless part of international travel conditions).
• Take your contact details with you (NHI numbers are helpful but not absolutely necessary).
• You can take a support person but you should both stay in your vehicle unless directed otherwise. 
• You need to isolate at home after your test until you receive a negative result.

Tangihanga

• If your loved one has died from COVID-19 then it will be critical for the Police and/or Health Provider to support you with information on what to do next.  
• If your loved one has died from an unknown cause, a post-mortem will need to be undertaken. The Police will facilitate this process and will liaise directly with whaanau.
• A GP or Medical Practitioner will also need to complete the death certificate.
• Any whaanau wanting to make burial arrangements for Taupiri Maunga urupaa must contact Mr Tumate Mahuta on 0800 TAINUI (0800 824 684).