12.8.2020
Health authorities in Auckland continue to ask residents to be vigilant and follow public health advice following a positive case of COVID-19 in the city, which has seen a short term return to Alert Level 3. Health authorities are also advising Aucklanders not to panic.
Northern Region Health Coordination Centre Lead (and Counties Manukau Health CEO) Margie Apa said Auckland communities were seeking testing in high numbers and it was essential to provide as much access as possible.
“The health sector in Auckland has prepared to be able to surge our testing capacity to respond to community transmission. As well as increasing pop-ups and mobile testing units, our labs have surged their capacity three-fold and can now analyse 7,000-8,000 swabs each day.
As at 1pm on Tuesday 12 August, more than 1,600 people had been swabbed at the four CTCs and two pop-ups in Otara and New Lynn. People can also be tested for free at general practices and urgent care clinics and these providers have also seen increased demand.
“On behalf of the Waitematā, Auckland, and Counties Manukau DHBs I want to thank the teams working around the clock to implement our surge plans.
“I also want to thank the people of Auckland who are playing their part in containing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
“I know the waits at some of our testing centres have been very long today and I also want to thank those queuing for their patience. Our teams will get to you as soon as they can, and the whole health sector is working hard to increase testing capacity.
“If you have symptoms and are heading to a CTC, do plan for long waiting times – but please still go. It is critically important we test as many people with symptoms as possible.”
The best defense against COVID-19 is to follow the same actions we took earlier in the pandemic. Maintain good hand hygiene. If you are sick, stay home. Keep track of your movements to help us with contact tracing. Maintain physical distancing.
If you have any symptoms, please get a free test at your local doctor, Urgent Care Clinic, or at one of our Community Testing Centres. If you are unsure, call your local doctor or Healthline. We advise that you ring ahead if you are planning to see your practice.
If you have any concerns please seek advice from Healthline or any GP on getting a free test.