Tairāwhiti locals are being urged to get swabbed for Covid-19 after the virus has been detected in wastewater samples for a second time.
Rehette Stoltz says anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms should take a Covid-19 test. Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
The second positive result was announced by the Ministry of Health in its daily briefing yesterday.
"Public health officials are not aware of any recovered cases in the region who may be shedding the virus and believe there is a strong possibility there could be an undetected case in the community," the ministry said in its statement.
Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz said that the results are concerning.
"We are asking our community if you have any signs, cold or flu-like signs, please come on out and get tested because now is our time to establish if Covid is circulating in our community or if it's just someone who might have passed through."
Stoltz is also encouraging anyone who has not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.