Coach driver confirmed with Covid-19
A Waikato coach driver is one of those confirmed to have Covid-19 after coming in contact with two overseas visitors at a conference in Queenstown.
The 58-year-old Te Aroha man, who wishes not to be named, was one of four drivers taking passengers attending the World Hereford Conference from March 9-13.
On March 23 the Ministry of Health confirmed there were six Covid-19 cases linked to the international conference — two overseas visitors, and four New Zealanders.
‘‘I believe I contracted it in the South Island with a group that were quite connected with coronavirus by the sounds of it,’’ the man said, who had been touring in the South Island for a month.
About 480 people from 18 countries were at the conference; several stayed on for a five-day South Island tour, and some are known to have visited Wanaka and gone to the town’s A&P show.
‘‘I was travelling with the group and we got advised that someone at the conference or someone who had been to the conference had tested positive, but were advised we were in a low risk category, so were told to continue with the tour.’’
He said after the conference he didn’t have any symptoms, so drove back to Hamilton to pick up his car.
When he arrived in Hamilton, however, he started to feel Covid19 symptoms and immediately called an ambulance.
‘‘I went straight into Waikato Hospital, two nights there.
‘‘All I got really was night sweats and I felt a little bit run down to tell you the truth and had a runny nose, but nothing major.
‘‘Being at Waikato Hospital was the most severe the virus got. But the doctors and nurses were great and very professional’’
While he wouldn’t mention what his worst symptoms were, he said that they were ‘‘short and sharp’’.
He was discharged from Waikato Hospital Tuesday morning and is now in mandatory self-isolation at his home in Te Aroha.
‘‘I’ve touched no one and have seen no one since. I’ve just followed all the procedures as advised.’’
He said he is currently separate to his family, occupying himself by watching Netflix and playing Xbox.
‘‘I have my own room and ensuite and my lovely wife puts my food at the door.
‘‘I will maintain the two meter rule until I’ve been cleared by the nurse.’’
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