Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing Station for Whakatāne and Eastern Bay of Plenty is now operational.
In partnership with the Eastern Bay of Plenty Health Alliance and the BOPDHB, our GP Clinic Med Central, will be operating the satellite COVID-19 Testing Site for the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty Area. We have an established site in Whakatane with plans to set up sites in Opotiki and Kawerau.
The first point of contact remains HEALTHLINE 0800 358 5453 to get a referral. Please be considerate and only call if you meet the criteria. However, if you have recently travelled overseas or had known contact with a suspected case, and have fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or flu symptoms.
Due to the increasing demand and the changing case definition people may also contact their usual GP for a referral as well. Other testing stations across the Bay of Plenty are in Greerton, Waihi Beach, Te Kaha and Murupara.
Clinical Director of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Primary Health Alliance, Dr Rachel Shouler stresses that those with flu symptoms should not panic and not to walk in to the GP if you have a suspected case. “Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a range of other illnesses such as influenza. Having these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have COVID-19. However, if you have recently travelled overseas or had known contact with a suspected case, and have fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or flu symptoms, call your GP or Healthline and they can assess your next steps and refer you to testing if you meet the criteria.”
If you or your family are unwell, self-isolation is the best first step, says Med Central Medical Director Dr Jethro Le Roy. “Practice good self-care, drink lots of water, eat nourishing food and get some rest. Manage your symptoms and if you are concerned then call your GP.”
“This is a good time to practice good hygiene, wash your hands regularly using water and soap for 20 seconds and dry them thoroughly. Use hand sanitizer when you can’t access soap, and stay away from work, school and large gatherings if you are sick.”
It’s important to us that managing the COVID-19 response in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is a partnership that puts community first, says Te Puna Ora O Mataatua CEO Dr Chris Tooley. “The EBPHA and TPOOM are proud to be working in partnership to ensure an effective local response is provided to support our community”.
Further Information: