One new COVID-19 case on Christmas Day

25 December 2021

The Ministry of Health is reporting one new COVID-19 case for Taranaki on Christmas Day linked to the Eltham Cluster.

There is currently a total of 23 active cases in the region.

Number of new community cases: 1
Location of current active cases: Eltham (17), New Plymouth (6)
Total number of cases in outbreak since November: Stratford (6), New Plymouth/Waitara (3), Eltham/Hawera (28), New Plymouth (6)
Number of cases recovered: 16

COVID-19 testing rates have declined in the region across the week with around 227 tests completed on Christmas Eve, Friday 24 December.

Testing is being offered today at Taranaki Base Hospital’s testing centre from 9am – 1pm to ensure people with symptoms can still access a test.

Taranaki DHB’s COVID-19 Response general manager, Gillian Campbell, says it’s important to have testing available seven days a week.

“We’re so grateful to have amazing testing staff who want to keep our community safe and are giving up part of their special day for the health of others.

“Please be kind to our staff across the festive season, they’re doing an exceptional job and want to ensure you’re happy and healthy for Christmas and New Year.”

Testing will be available through the holiday period with locations and times available at TDHB - COVID-19 testing.

Vaccination clinics are taking a break across the statutory days but will be open again from Wednesday 29 December. Please visit TDHB - COVID-19 vaccine.