Omicron spreads to Hawkes Bay primary

Four primary schoolchildren in Havelock North tested positive for Covid-19, Hawkes Bay DHB confirmed this week.

In a statement on Monday, the DHB said all four children from Te Mata Primary School were being treated as Omicron cases.

“Hawke’s Bay DHB has been advised, today, of four confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst Te Mata Primary School students, Havelock North. The cases are being treated as if they are the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

“The school and the families of the children have all been notified and are following public health advice. There are a number of close contacts associated with these cases, who are being followed up by public health.”

The DHB said it is working closely with the school and Ministry of Education and further information would be provided in Ministry of Health’s updates.

“The school will remain open for on-site learning for those not impacted. Students and close contacts self isolating will have access to distance learning,” said the DHB in Monday’s statement.

Principal Patrice O’Connor told One News that the school was well-prepared for the possibility of Covid cases arising within the school community and her school was able to act swiftly to put into place its plans.

Advice for testing for people connected to the Te Mata Primary School cases was issued, with anyone concerned they may be a contact or with symptoms told to go the a testing clinic open at Splash Planet from Tuesday 8 February, between the hours of 10am – 3pm.

The DHB reiterated the plea for syptomatic people to get tested. “Anyone who has cold or flu like symptoms, no matter how mild, should get tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result.”

Te Mata Primary School was remaining open for on-site learning for those not impacted, while students and close contacts self isolating will have access to distance learning, according to the DHB’s statement.

As of Tuesday 8 February, there were currently no locations of interest in Havelock North, and just two in Hastings – a Carls Jr restaurant visited on January 28 and McDonald’s visited on January 26.