are a high-risk frontline healthcare or disability worker
work in a long-term residential environment
live in long-term residential care
are an older Māori or Pacific person being cared for by whānau
have an underlying health condition or disability, are pregnant, or are in a custodial setting.
We have started vaccinating this group from the start of April and will continue through to the end of May.
Actual timeframes might vary and we will let you know if the times are going to change.
Information on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for Group 3 will be available towards the end of May.
Whanganui’s chief medical officer Dr Ian Murphy gets the COVID jab from nurse Emma.
The rollout began on 31 March 2021 with the vaccination team, family members of border and MIQ/MIF workforce living in our district and front-line health workers being vaccinated.
This was then extended to include frontline health staff and other critical workers, such as police, fire service and St John personnel.
The vaccination of the bulk of the population is expected in the second half of 2021.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free, safe and effective, and is being made available for everyone in New Zealand aged 16 years and above.
It has been approved for use after meeting stringent international standards and equally robust New Zealand requirements for quality, safety and effectiveness.
COVID-19 Alert Level 1 - Health and Hospital Services
All of New Zealand is at Alert Level 1, but it is important that we remain alert and continue to follow the health and safety procedures that have served us so well.
If you are unwell
If you’re sick, stay home. Do not go to work or school. Do not socialise.
If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453or your doctor toget advice about being tested.
COVID-19 testing is free
If you have been told to self-isolate you legally must do so immediately.
COVID-19 symptoms include:
a new or worsening cough
a fever of at least 38°C
shortness of breath
sore throat
sneezing and runny nose
temporary loss of smell
muscle aches and fatigue
Keep track of where you’ve been
You should keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. This helps with rapid contact tracing if it’s required.
Face masks are now mandatory on all public transport in New Zealand and on all domestic flights. They are also encouraged when out and about in crowds or among strangers.
Hospital services at Alert Level 1
Primary health services are operating as normal but we encourage everyone in our hospital to maintain high hygiene standards
such as cough etiquette, washing your hands regularly, and maintaining social distancing when possible.
Visiting Whanganui Hospital at Alert Level 1
Consider your need to visit the hospital if you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms. Please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you are concerned about COVID-19 symptoms or visit the community based assessment centre (CBAC) on the Whanganui Hospital campus
If you need emergency care, should go to Whanganui Emergency Department or Whanganui Accident Emergency on the Whanganui Hospital. We are here for you during all COVID-19 Alert Levels.
Wash your hands and use hand sanitiser regularly
Keep a record of where you have been using the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Tracer app to scan QR codes at the hospital and keep track of your movements. The more we scan, the safer we will be
Sometimes our staff may need to limit visitor numbers.
Whanganui Hospital visiting hours are from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
people who have been advised to get a test by Healthline.
Outside these times, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or go to Whanganui Accident and Medical (WAM) which is open 8am to 9pm, seven days a week or call 06 348 1300 for WAM.
The hospital CBAC is a drive-through/walk-up facility. No appointment is needed and there is no charge.
COVID-19 testing: General practices
General practices (GPs) in Raetihi, Taihape, Bulls and Marton can assess their rural communities – please ring first.
The total number of people with confirmed Covid-19 in the Whanganui Region is nine (9).
All confirmed have now recovered. There have been no cases since April 2020.
