He was today named as Southland Chamber of Commerce board president and Findex managing partner Neil McAra.
The news came after the Ministry of Health today confirmed eight new coronavirus cases, including two in Southland, meaning there are three positive cases in the province and six cases across the South, as of Thursday afternoon.
One of the two Southland cases who tested positive was on their way to Dunedin Hospital.
The Southern District Health Board last night issued a list of places Mr McAra had been, where there was a low risk others could have contracted Covid-19 by coming into contact with him.
The places, all in Invercargill were: The Batch Cafe, March 16 at 8.30am and March 17 at 9.30am; New World, Windsor, March 12 at 4pm-5pm; the Waihopai Football Club, Surrey Park, March 12, 5pm-6pm; the Southland Athletics Championship, Surrey Park, March 14, 10am-11am and 3pm-4pm.
Mr McAra reportedly has two children at Southland Boys’ and Southland Girls’ high schools.
The pupils were well and without symptoms, and there was minimal risk to other students, staff or others at the schools, the SDHB said in letters to parents.
A statement released by Findex today says Mr McAra had returned to Invercargill on March 10 after travelling to the Gold Coast and Sydney for business.
Mr McAra said his colleagues had been supportive and wanted to make sure he was okay and looking after himself.
''I’ve received lots of calls and emails, I’m really appreciative of the messages and support.
''I’m feeling 85% normal and looking forward to a full recovery.''
Mr McAra urged his local community to band together.
“We need each other now more than ever, given the global uncertainty for our overall economic and small business landscape.
''It’s important to remain calm, listen to government advice and prepare ourselves in the best way possible.”
He began feeling unwell earlier this week, and although his symptoms were not consistent with the New Zealand health authority’s guidance, on his insistence he was tested for and confirmed with Covid-19.
By the time he was notified by local health authorities, McAra was already in self-quarantine.
The Findex Invercargill team were now in self-isolation and will not return to the office for a 14 day period, continuing to working from their homes.
There were no other confirmed cases throughout the Findex network.
