This is a very encouraging sign for the Greater Wellington region, however the threat of COVID-19 to the community remains. “While we are enthusiastic to share this news and are thankful that those remaining active cases have now recovered. It’s important to note that we’re not out of the woods, and that there is the possibility there may still be cases of COVID-19 in the community that have not been registered with RPH or through Healthline,” said Dr Stephen Palmer, Clinical Head of Department, Regional Public Health.
“The way in which the symptoms of COVID-19 present in people differs case-by-case, to the extent that some people may not exhibit any symptoms and not realise they have COVID-19. As such, we ask our Wellington community to remain vigilant and continue to take the necessary precautions under Alert Level 2, to keep themselves and their whānau safe,” said Dr Palmer.
In the Wellington Region, which encompasses Capital & Coast, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHBs, there have been 123 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 and 121 people have now recovered. There have been two deaths associated with COVID-19 in Wellington. “Let’s not forget there are whānau in Wellington who have lost loved-ones. While we can positively reflect on there being no active cases in Wellington currently, we’d also like to acknowledge those families who are coping with loss and for whom the effects of COVID-19 are lasting and acutely felt,” said Dr Palmer.
Since the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Wellington on 14 March, RPH has been in regular contact with confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and their close contacts through daily monitoring.
“We’d like to express our thanks to those in our community who have been directly affected by COVID-19, their whānau, flatmates and close contacts. Everyone we have engaged with through our contact tracing and daily monitoring work have been incredibly cooperative. They have shared openly, and in doing so have acted in the greater interests of the health and wellbeing our community. For that we are truly grateful,” said Dr Palmer.
Key stats – Wellington COVID-19 cases
- Total cases: 123
- Recovered: 121
- Deceased: 2
- First case notified: 14 March 2020
- Last case recovered: 13 May 2020
For more information: https://www.rph.org.nz/public-health-topics/illness-and-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/current-situation/
