WellSouth response to traffic light change to orange

With the traffic light setting change to Orange it is important to remember there continues to be high rates of Covid infections in Southern and we need to continue to take practical steps to reduce the spread of the virus. Southern is where Auckland was a month ago in their Covid journey, as we are just past our peak but still experiencing very high daily case numbers.

While it is concerning that there are more than 30 Covid hospitalisations in Southern at present, it is also important to remember that this represents a small percent of the 7,500 Covid positive patients in Otago Southland who are currently self isolating and being safely managed at home. These individuals are both self-managing and being supported with the help and virtual care provided by general practices and WellSouth’s clinicians network.

Hundreds of cases are still being reported each day and, in total, primary care providers in Otago and Southland have helped to care for many of the 50,000 patients since the first case of the current outbreak was reported in Southern on 08 February.

We all welcome more freedoms and, indeed, it’s important to reduce some restrictions as we learn to live with the virus and go about our daily lives with Covid as endemic. But at the same time we should still take basic precautions that will help keep ourselves and others safe and reduce the spread of Covid and many other viruses, including influenza.

So remember:
• Get fully vaccinated and boosted, when you are eligible.
• Wear your mask
• Wash and sanitise your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you are unwell and test for Covid. Even if you do not have Covid, stay home until you are symptom-free.

These measure will help keep our communities safe and you are playing your part to support general practices and other healthcare providers who have worked tirelessly to care for patients and whānau in Southern these past several months.