The detection of a COVID-19 case in Pahiatua yesterday has Tararua’s Mayor concerned at low testing rates.
Tracey Collis told Central FM testing had been quite low since the first two cases were discovered in the district earlier this month.
Wastewater tests in Pahiatua from last week returned positive for COVID-19, and Mrs Collis says it is good a case has been located.
Her concern is that the person was in the community with the virus for a long period of time.
Mrs Collis is urging anyone with COVID symptoms to not be scared to get a test to ensure there is not community transmission.
The MidCentral District Health Board has ramped up testing in Pahiatua this week following the positive wastewater tests.
Meanwhile two locations of interest have been named in Pahiatua.
New World Pahiatua was named as a location on November 22 between 3.45pm and 5pm, while Bush Multisport Park was named on November 21 between 11.30am and 2pm.
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Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will contribute nearly $1.2 million towards the cost of fixing a section of Kairakau Road.
The road has been closed since early November after days of heavy rain caused a significant slip.
Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker said it will cost about $1.7 million to replace a section of the road, with Council’s contribution just over half a million dollars from its Adverse Events Fund.
She said the goal is to have a temporary, alternate route in place by the 21st of December.
Ms Walker said where the road has slumped away, there is about 15 hectares of hillside that’s moving, and has probably been for decades.
Council met with residents at Kairakau on Wednesday night to update them on progress.
Higgins Contractors were due to begin bulldozing work at the site today to begin work on the temporary route.
She said it will be a big project….VOX
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Another drive-in vaccination clinic will be setup at the A & P Showgrounds in Waipukurau tomorrow.
No appointments will be needed for those going along to get their COVID-19 vaccine, with the clinic running between 9.30 and 4pm.
A mobile vaccination clinic will also be setup at the Otane Market this Sunday from 9 til midday.
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Police are looking for information after a number of plants were taken from Adeane’s Bush.
Senior Constable Andy Walker said last week 15 plants were removed from the ground and bagged up, but the offenders were disturbed.
The plants were returned to the ground, only to be taken again.
Mr Walker said the plants were only put in the ground over the winter.
He said this case is similar to other areas around Hawke’s Bay being targeted for native plants.
