The Dunedin cases are a man in his 40s and his teenage son, a Logan Park High school pupil. Another family member is also being tested but that result is not back yet.
The cases were among four new ones nationally announced today.
The other two are a father (in his 70s) and son (in his 30s) who are members of a Wellington family. It means that as of mid-afternoon there were 11 confirmed cases and two probable cases.
In a statement this afternoon Mr Hawkins said while it was "obviously a worrying time", he encouraged people to stay calm and "remember that a range of organisations, including the Dunedin City Council, have been preparing for this situation".
- Dunedin pair among four new cases
- Pupil tests positive, school to close
- Queenstown Covid-19 case: SDHB warning over three locations
- Govt announces $12bn rescue plan
- Coronavirus: $500m boost for health resources
- At a glance: Coronavirus financial package
"The response to this announcement is being led by health authorities and the DCC will provide any support it can. This is a fast-changing situation and we are ready to step up our response if and when required."
He said the council urged people to continue to follow advice from the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies.
"The goal is to stop these isolated cases around the country becoming widespread community outbreaks.
"It’s more important than ever that we continue to look out for each other and check in on friends and family."
Related Stories
Comments
Well Done Mr Mayor for standing up speaking out and leading, the previous Mayor would not have done this, Congratulations.
All Aaron needs to do now is announce that in light of the impending economic impact, rates increases will be deferred to lessen the financial burden on families and the elderly, in what will almost certainly be some very 'testing' times ahead.
A rent freeze would be a good idea too Jacinda.
Prices and rent freeze.
When I hear Hawkins say: "remember that a range of organisations, including the Dunedin City Council, have been preparing for this situation?" it reminds me of something that the American President Ronald Reagan once said: "The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
haha, yeah DCC were preparing for coronavirus just as good as for South Dunedin floods
And let's hope that food suppliers don't see this as an opportunity to profit....by raising prices and using the 'demand out strips supply' excuse.
This is another area our PM needs to address at the earliest time before families face unnessary financial stress.
Sadly, in times of hardhip, some will prosper from the misery of others. Controls need to be put upon that situation now. Monopoly and greed can be a nasty driver......it's right up there with 'looting' in my opinion.
Haha hawkins will be the first one to run to the hills, what is this 'help' he is banging on about?, it will be so hard to get that it will be almost better off not getting it.
I see in today's news that CHCH councillors are demanding the Mayor 'freeze' rates increases. Come on Aaron, let's see some compassion and exercise some good leadership.
I had suggested this yesterday, along with a RENT FREEZE, that the PM could very easily make happen. Just as Rob did in the early 1980's. I could think of nothing worse than rent and rate increases at a time like this. That would be just plain savage. Controls on food pricing and purchasing should also be needed in light of the fact this could carry on in 'waves' for months to come. No point telling people not to 'stock pile'. Natural survival and fright instincts will have people doing all sorts of damaging things. Start the rationing now.
Come on Mayor Hawkins and PM Ardern, let's have a complete crisis package in place before the first real wave hits. Time is crucial.