July 26, 2021
Iwi concerned Taranaki short changed on tests
Ngāti Ruanui says Taranaki District Health Board should be testing for COVID-19 traces not just in the New Plymouth wastewater system but in Hawera, Patea, Eltham and Stratford.
There were two positive wastewater results detected in Taranaki last week, which the Health Ministry said could be due to recently recovered cases continuing to shed the virus, or could signal undetected cases in the community.
Ngāti Ruanui kaiwhakahaere, Rachel Rae says Taranaki’s population is highly mobile throughout the region so wider testing is needed.
The iwi is also concerned its primary health staff is being asked to support the DHB’s COVID testing centres when they are already under strain with the vaccination rollout.
Ngāti Ruanui is also questioning the plan for testing and why it appears to be made up on the spot. This is a fundamental plan that should be in place and adequately resourced.
Copyright © 2021, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com