Testing and shots surge

Nelsonians have been fronting up in droves to be vaccinated or tested for Covid19 following the news of positive cases in the region.

Nelson Bays Primary Health (NBPH) chief executive Sara Shaughnessy said there had been a surge in both vaccinations and testing following Monday afternoon’s report of a positive case in the region.

She would not say where the person lived, but said they were being supported with their health care needs.

Yesterday afternoon it was revealed that there were two more positive Covid cases in the Nelson region, both known contacts of the original case. All are in isolation.

The Medical and Injury Centre adjacent to Nelson Hospital’s Emergency Department had a ‘‘rush on testing’’ on Monday afternoon, and yesterday morning there was a surge of testing at Saxton Field in Stoke, with cars backed up along Saxton Rd, and long waiting times.

On Monday afternoon and yesterday, the vaccination centres at Nelson’s Paru Paru Rd and Richmond’s Queen St were busy with both people who had pre-booked and ‘‘walk-ins’’, Shaughnessy said.

She said NBPH was looking at ways to supplement its workforce, and had spoken with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology about the possibility of nursing and fitness students helping out over their summer break.

NBPH Covid response coordinator Rebecca Colley said the Trafalgar Centre testing site had been very busy all day yesterday.

At the Paru Paru Rd vaccination centre yesterday afternoon, Higgins workers Cory Turner and Phoebe Connor were waiting for their second vaccination shots.

Turner said they were happy to have the jab to help the community and keep family members safe, but they also needed it for their continued employment.

Brooke Tranter was lining up on Queen St, Richmond for her first vaccination. She said she was getting the jab so she could continue her job on a farm and play the sports she loved: netball and horse competitions.

The Ngātı¯moti resident said she wasn’t too concerned about the prospect of Covid19 in the community, but when she headed into town, she took precautions to stay safe.

From his coffee cart on Sundial Square, Ryan Hornell was in a good position to gauge local sentiment.

‘‘People are talking about it – some are a little taken aback, but some have been waiting for it, so they’re not supershocked,’’ he said.

In Richmond, Steph Hunt wasn’t surprised by the announcement of the community case. She was philosophical about the risk, and would continue to go about her life as usual – but with added precautions.

‘‘I think everyone knew it was coming – not a lot we can do except keep our distance and mask up.’’