An iwi-led health provider is stepping up its Covid-19 test abilities in Rotorua as case numbers grow.
Photo: Supplied
With positive cases reaching 33 in Rotorua yesterday, Te Arawa Covid-19 Response Hub is urging people to isolate if they are a close contact or feel unwell.
In a statement, Dr Grace Malcolm, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao GP and member of Te Roopu Hauora o Te Arawa, said the virus posed a real threat to vulnerable people in the community.
"Please stay home if you are sick and ring your doctor or the Healthline for advice. If you can, please get a Covid test at the Copthorne Hotel in Fenton Street. They are open between 8.30 to 3pm every day," she said.
"We have teams and resources to support people from a health and welfare point of view, and to support the wider whānau if they need it."
She said the hub - through Te Arawa Whānau Ora and Māori health providers - was supporting more than 100 people.
Forty people also put up their hands to receive personal protective equipment and swabbing training in response to a call for additional Covid-19 testers.
Photo: Supplied
In a statement, Lakes DHB director of equity and outcomes delivery Mapihi Raharuhi said the commitment and enthusiasm of the group was inspiring.
"Our people are just amazing. Increasing our testing capacity means we can test even more people, and get a better understanding of the level of Covid in our community," she said.
"With this additional Te Arawa workforce, we will be able to do pop-up testing in specific neighbourhoods to ensure we get the best understanding of local spread, to demonstrate the help we are able to provide whānau and local communities, and to provide on-the-ground information and support.
"Together we can do this, but everyone needs to do their bit."