A tent has been set up next to the Oamaru Emergency Department to assess anyone who is suspected of having Covid-19.
The tent will provide additional clinical space for hospital staff to see people who are showing signs of Covid-19 or other infectious conditions, the Waitaki District Health Service says.
People who are unwell should come to the side door of the Emergency Department and staff will then decide if the person should enter the tent or the Emergency Department.
Photo: RNZ
The tent will be used to take swabs as well as the history of the patient if necessary.
The Health Service said the tent would streamline services as Oamaru Hospital expected to see more potential Covid-19 cases in coming days.
Waitaki District Health Services chief executive Ruth Kibble said it was crucial that no one entered the tent if they had not been instructed to do so.
She said there would be security around the tent.
The hospital also asked people to contact their GP or Healthline (0800 358 5453) in the first place, unless it was an emergency.
The tent has been loaned to the Waitaki District Health Services by St John.