1344 days ago

Covid-19: People linked to north Auckland cases wait days for results, have to be retested

Caroline Williams Reporter from Rodney Times

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.”

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.

Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?

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Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
  • 43.4% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
    43.4% Complete
  • 56% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
    56% Complete
  • 0.6% Other - I'll share below
    0.6% Complete
1090 votes
8 hours ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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8 hours ago

Today’s riddle: For all the curious minds next door!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

My thunder comes before the lightning.
My lightning comes before the clouds.
My rain dries all the land it touches.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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