New Zealand / Covid 19

Covid-19: Napier resident tests positive

19:50 pm on 30 December 2021

Public health officials are investigating how a Napier resident contracted Covid-19.

(File image) Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

They returned a positive test result today but it is not known yet whether it is the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

Hawke's Bay medical officer of health Nick Jones said the patient was self-isolating at home and all known close contacts have been identified and were being tested.

"Investigations continue as to how the positive case contracted Covid-19 with any lead or angle being followed-up."

Any locations of interest will be published on the Ministry of Health website.

Ninety percent of the region's eligible population have had two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Dr Jones said it was crucial anyone with cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild, got tested for Covid-19 even if they were vaccinated.

"Detecting the virus to avoid community spread is in everyone's interest and the right thing to do, even if you have very mild symptoms.

"Drive-in testing centres and booked appointments are available throughout the holiday period with good capacity."

Drive-in testing for 31 December:

  • Pukemokimoki Marae, 191 Riverbend Road, Napier. 10am - 3pm
  • Splash Planet, Hastings. 10am - 1pm
  • Central Hawke's Bay Health Centre, 1 Cook Street, Waipukurau. 9am - 4pm

Drive-in testing for 1 January:

  • The Doctors, Napier, 30 Munroe Street - between 10am and 11am (note: more drive-in clinics will be opened if there is demand on 1 January)

More testing clinics through to 7 January 2022 can be located on the DHB's facebook page or website.