Five cases confirmed in region

Five new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Nelson Marlborough but it is not known how many were from Marlborough.

They were part of 78 recorded across the country yesterday, bringing the national total to 283.

Up until yesterday, Marlborough and Nelson had been treated as separate areas in the recording of confirmed coronavirus cases.

Nelson Marlborough now has a total of 17 confirmed and probable cases, with at least six of these in Marlborough, including the probable case – a man in his 20s announced yesterday

There have been five other confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Marlborough since Saturday, when a woman in her 60s became the first recorded.

A second case was announced on Monday – a man in his 50s who flew from Sydney to Auckland on March 18 on flight QF143, and from Auckland to Blenheim on flight NZ8205.

Two more cases – men in their 30s and 60s – were announced on Tuesday.

Yesterday a man in his 80s became the region’s fifth confirmed case, and a male in his 20s was listed as a probable case in Blenheim.

Nelson Marlborough Health said all were in self-isolation in Marlborough.

A ‘‘probable case’’ was a person who had returned a negative lab test result but the clinician treating them believes they are likely to be a case, due to clinical symptoms and exposure.

Nelson Marlborough Health (NMH) revealed on Tuesday there were four intensive care units (ICU) at Wairau Hospital, as well as four negative pressure rooms and 10 ventilators.

A community-based assessment centre is at the old netball pavilion off Horton Park, at 29b Redwood St, Blenheim. It is open 9am until 6pm, 7 days a week but patients must ring Healthline (0800 611 116) or their GP before turning up at the facility.