Four new Covid-19 cases in Nelson-Tasman, one in hospital

There are four new cases of Covid-19 in Nelson-Tasman today, with one person being admitted to Nelson Hospital.

The four cases were reported after the official cut off period so will be added officially to tomorrow’s numbers.

Nelson Marlborough Health has confirmed that the case in hospital is in a stable condition in an isolated ward.

The new cases bring the total number of the region's latest outbreak to 19 since the first case was announced a week ago.

Of the four new Nelson-Tasman cases, three are linked to existing cases. Investigations into possible connections for the fourth new case are underway.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Stephen Bridgman says that all cases confirmed so far are split into two clusters.

In one cluster there is both epidemiological and whole genomic sequencing data suggesting a possible source to a cluster in the North Island. There are 15 cases in that cluster now.

In the second cluster, a probable source has not yet been identified. There are four cases in that cluster.

In both clusters, investigations are ongoing.

Public health officials are continuing to manage several hundred contacts associated with exposures at two schools in Nelson and no further cases have been identified from these school exposures to date.

New locations of interest in Nelson-Tasman are being added to.

Nationwide, there are 135 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today with 76 people in hospital with the virus.

Anyone with symptoms – no matter how mild – is being asked to get tested, even if they are vaccinated, at the following locations:

Nelson: Saxton Field parking area, Suffolk Road, Stoke:

• Monday 6 December: 9am to 6pm
• Tuesday 7 December: 9am to 6pm

Richmond: Richmond Showgrounds, 359 Lower Queen St:

• Monday 6 December: 9am to 6pm
• Tuesday 7 December: 9am to 6pm

Motueka: Motueka Recreation Centre, Old Wharf Rd:

• Monday 6 December: 9am to 1pm
• Tuesday 7 December: 9am to 3pm

To find other locations for a free Covid-19 test, or to find up-to-date CBAC hours, go to the Healthpoint website.