Covid-19: People linked to north Auckland cases wait days for results, have to be retested
A number of people told to get tested because they had visited the same locations as two new Covid-19 cases in north Auckland had to be retested when no records of their results could be found days later.
Silverdale Medical Centre executive manager Ranyani Perera told Stuff staff received about a dozen calls from people tested at the Victor Eaves Park pop-up site, in Ōrewa, last Thursday or Friday who hadn’t received results up to four days later.
Among those who faced delays, was a Silverdale woman, who still didn't have her test result on Monday. She eventually had to make her own phone calls to get her result, despite being assured her test would be processed as a priority because she was considered a "casual plus contact" of the people infected.
“Selfishly, I wanted my test results, so I could go out. But you’ve potentially got this whole community of people who [authorities are] wanting to isolate five days later. If I wasn’t a good citizen and the risk was higher, I would have potentially been walking around Auckland all long weekend with Covid.”
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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42.9% I avoid spending money on coffee
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41.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
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16% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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41.2% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.3% No, I enjoy it
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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41.1% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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32% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.5% I didn’t know online booking was available
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