Covid-19 Alert Level update

25 September 2020

Whanganui moves to Alert Level 1

Whanganui - and the rest of New Zealand apart from Auckland - is now at Alert Level 1, removing the limit on gatherings.

However, it is important we all remain vigilant and continue to practice good hygiene. Face masks are encouraged at Alert Level 1 and so is physical distancing to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Auckland remains at Alert Level 2, with maximum gatherings of 100. Auckland's alert level setting will be reconsidered on Monday 5 October.

All inter-regional travel is allowed. This brings the risk of Aucklanders who may be infected spreading the virus to other parts of the country, or visitors to Auckland picking up the virus and taking it home.

Therefore, we are asking those in Auckland in particular to exercise common sense and caution. Don’t travel just because you can. If you do travel, take precautions.

Pop up CBAC at Ohakune - Thursday 1 October 

A pop up CBAC will run from 9am to 3pm on Thursday 1 October at Ohakune Primary School, 52 Arawa Street. Free flu vaccinations will also be available. 

Getting tested for Covid-19

If you are sick call your GP or Healthline on 0800 3585453.

If you are asked, please get tested at the Whanganui Hospital campus community based assessment centre (CBAC) or at your GP.

If you have flu-like symptoms, a cough, sore throat, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, sneezing or loss of sense of smell, you should be tested for Covid-19 at the CBAC on the Whanganui Hospital campus.

CBAC opening hours

The Whanganui hospital campus CBAC is open 8am to 5pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

This is a drive-in/walk-in service. There is no charge and no need for an appointment.

For after hours service, call Whanganui Accident and Medical (WAM) on 06 3481300.

Getting tested at your GP practice 

If you are visiting your general practice and it’s more convenient to be assessed there, this is also an option. Please make contact with them. General practices (GPs) in Raetihi, Taihape, Bulls and Marton can assess their rural communities – please ring first.

More information on testing for Covid-19

Where to get more information 

The latest information can be found on www.covid19.govt.nz or the Unite Against Covid social media channels and on the Ministry of Health website

Local information for people in Whanganui, Rangitikei and South Ruapehu is available on this website, the WDHB Facebook page, your local council social media pages and the Civil Defence Manawatū-Whanganui page. 

Remember to be kind, stay vigilant and look after each other.

• The total number of people with confirmed Covid-19 in the Whanganui Region is nine (9). 
• All confirmed have now recovered. There have been no cases since April 2020.
• Please visit Unite Against Covid or the Ministry of Health website for national information about Covid-19.