Reported cases have increased in all southern centres this month, in keeping with the nationwide upturn that University of Otago epidemiologist Prof Michael Baker attributes to increased social mixing, new variants and waning immunity.
Ministry of Health data shows there were 42,740 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the community over the past seven days, and 40,098 the week prior, whereas in the week ending November 20, there were 24,068 new cases.
In the week from December 11-18, active cases reported in Invercargill rose from 626 to 637, more than double the November 20 figure of 292 cases.
In Dunedin and Queenstown-Lakes cases dipped slightly over the past week, at 1336 down from 1377 and 212 down from 225 respectively.
However, this is a notable rise from the November 20 figures of 760 active reported cases in Dunedin, and 155 in Queenstown-Lakes.
Other areas in the South also hovered at numbers similar to the week prior in the most recent figures, although in Gore case numbers jumped from 98 to 132.
The disease would be circulating the community over the next month, Prof Baker said.
It was important to connect with loved ones over the holiday period, but people should do so while aiming to reduce the spread of the virus.
This could be done by taking rapid antigen tests (Rats) before attending gatherings, meeting others in well-ventilated outdoor spaces, wearing face masks in busy public areas, and staying up-to-date with booster vaccinations.
"No-one wants to give this infection to family and friends, no-one wants to have it over the Christmas period," Prof Baker said.
"Take it seriously, and realise there are things you can do."
Ward 3 Surgical C was restricted to those visiting on compassionate grounds.
Visitor restrictions were reviewed regularly, and an update would be provided when the restrictions eased, a spokesperson said.
The hospital was at high capacity because of a surge in presentations to the emergency department, an increase in Covid cases and staff illness.
Dunedin pharmacies have reported an upturn in those concerned about the disease.
Roslyn Pharmacy director Andrew Hou said he had also noticed confusion about access to antiviral medication, especially with people going away for the summer.
These could only be accessed once people tested positive, not as a precaution in case they tested positive in future.
Clinical manager Hannah Young said they had been contacted by five people about accessing antiviral medication before 9am yesterday, and they were giving away more free Rats.
"In the past two weeks it’s really ramped up a lot," Ms Young said.
Antidote Pharmacy owner Chin Loh, of Dunedin, also said there had been a "definite upturn".
Hospitality Association Dunedin branch president and Speight’s Ale House owner Mark Scully said there was a "certain cautiousness" among the public, which might be due to Covid-19, which was made up for by cruise ship passengers and those celebrating graduation or Christmas.
In some cases it was exacerbating a general staff shortage.
The Government has announced New Zealand’s Covid-19 settings will remain unchanged following a final review for the year.
Covid-19 Response Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said she encouraged people to take simple precautions to "keep a lid" on the disease.
