August 16, 2020
Anxious wait strains testing capacity
Get tested for COVID-19 if you’re showing symptoms, but if not, stay at home.
That’s the advice from Civil Defence Minsiter and Tāmaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare to those anxious about the virus spreading through Auckland and beyond.
Testing has ramped up as authorities try to contain the outbreak, with more than 23,0000 tests processed on Saturday.
In Auckland there have been more than 45,000 people tested since last Tuesday, when four cases were confirmed within a South Auckland family.
There were 13 new cases confirmed yesterday, 12 linked to the outbreak and one in managed isolation.
Mr Henare says it’s important to catch anyone associated with the Americold or Finance Now cases, without over-burdening the system with those who are just anxious.
"People are showing up without symptoms yet moaning about having a four hour delay while they wait in the queue, being quite vocal about that, so what we are saying is if you have the symptoms, please go and get tested. If you are directly or indirectly associated with the places identified, please go and get tested. If you are slightly anxious but you aren't displaying symptoms, you will be at home anyway because of Alert Level 3 unless you are an essential worker, then once those symptoms present themselves, go and get tested but in the meantime if they don't present themselves, call your GP or the Healthline," he says.
Peeni Henare
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