20 Jan 2022

Two new Covid-19 cases found in Hawke's Bay

12:20 pm on 20 January 2022

A further two cases of Covid-19 have been found in Hawke's Bay.

Cars line up as people wait to get vaccinated.

Cars line up as people wait to get vaccinated in Hastings. File photo Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin

That brings the total number of cases in the region to six, the Hawke's Bay District Health Board said in a statement.

One case is linked to the Hastings cluster, taking that cluster to five, while the other case is believed to have contracted Covid-19 out of the region, it said.

Cases in the Hastings cluster have been confirmed as the Delta strain.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre said people should keep up-to-date with the locations of interest reported on the Ministry of Health's website as more locations were being added.

"We are continuing investigations and are in the process of informing any other close contacts to isolate and be tested."

The DHB said it's crucial anyone with cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild, got tested for Covid-19, even if they were vaccinated.

"People with symptoms need to get tested so we can avoid any potential community spread," Eyre said.

A positive Covid-19 case was also identified in Manawatū, the first since November.

MidCentral District Health Board said details about potential exposure to others would be released as soon as possible.