Pressure in area with community transmission
ticularly those self-isolating or with family members taking this precautionary measure,’’ NZVA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Helen Beattie said.
‘‘We would like to re-assure New Zealand animal owners that, despite a second dog in Hong Kong testing positive for the Covid-19 virus, there is currently no reliable evidence that animals are playing a role in the widespread transmission of the disease.’’
The positive tests were likely due to the animals being contaminated by their owners.
People are already putting pressure on medical facilities in one of the first areas with a case of community transmission.
Masterton Medical, one of the largest medical centres in the country, was swamped with calls and drop-in patients yesterday after a case of community transmission was confirmed in nearby Carterton.
Centre manager Robyn Wilson said most people had been great, but some were ‘‘cranky’’ and a few resorted to outright deceit.
‘‘Unfortunately we’ve had people telling lies about their symptoms so they can get in the door.’’
‘‘We’ve even had a doctor tell someone to put a mask on and they’ve refused,’’ Wilson said.
The medical centre now screens people at the door to prevent possible coronavirus carriers from infecting others in the waiting room.
It was announced at the weekend that Wairarapa was one of two areas in New Zealand to have a likely case of non-travel related community transmission.
Masterton Medical had to field an extraordinary number of phone calls yesterday morning and was unable to handle the load.
‘‘Today we’ve been absolutely swamped. We’ve taken over 600 calls in the first few hours of the day,’’ Wilson said.
More staff were now assigned to man the phones.
In nearby Carterton where the community transmission case patient lives, the public seemed to be towing the line.
Following the positive testing for Covid-19 of one of Carterton District Council’s staff members the Ministry of Health identified two people who had been in close contact with him.
They were tested and found to be free of the virus but they remained in self-isolation.
Carterton Mayor Greg Lang was pleased that the results were negative and that all the right procedures were followed.
‘‘It’s really good news and it reflects in our pandemic planning and how when you follow it and act straight away.
‘‘It certainly helps.
‘‘This is a journey we’re all on and all we can do is practice best practices.’’
It was understood that the infected staff member carried out predominantly outside duties but as an extra precaution the council was deep cleaning its building.
Masterton Medical have moved to virtual consults where many patients can be seen remotely.
Lower Hutt
Rubbish and recycling collection – community recycling stations will remain open for cardboard and paper deposits only.
Council customer services will be redirected to the city’s virtual contact centre.
Upper Hutt
Rubbish collection will continue. Silverstream Landfill will be closed to domestic waste dropoffs from today.
The council’s customer services will still be available by telephone (04) 527 2169 or emailing askus@uhcc.govt.nz.
Porirua
Rubbish and recycling collection will continue.
Cemetery and cremation services still available.
Dog Control will still be in operation. Some emergency roadworks as needed.
Ka¯ piti Coast
All Ka¯piti Coast District Council customer service centres, swimming pools, libraries, community centre, and community halls and venues were closed as of yesterday.
Events cancelled or postponed
Jim Beam Homegrown – postponed with no new date set.
CubaDupa – Cancelled for 2020. Wellington Phoenix – No home games in Wellington for the rest of the season.
Wellington Jazz Festival – Postponed for 2020. New dates to be confirmed.
Vodafone Warriors – Wellington tickets on sale are now on hold.
Second Unit (World) – Postponed, with Ta¯whiri exploring postponement dates.
All Blacks v Wales – Currently proceeding as scheduled, while NZ Rugby has made the decision to delay ticket sales.
Beervana – Postponed. Will now take place on November 13-14 at Sky Stadium.
All Blacks v Australia double header weekend – To go ahead as scheduled, NZR has delayed ticket sales.
Visa Wellington On A Plate – Currently still scheduled for August.
World of WearableArt – Going ahead as scheduled.