The Carterton District Council worker who tested positive for Covid-19 coronavirus has received the all clear but says he went through "a really difficult time" and received "really harsh" social media comments.
The man tested positive for Covid-19 but has been cleared by Public Health (file picture). Photo: 123RF
The man, aged in his 30s, has been cleared by Public Health.
Colleagues at the district council, friends, family and social contacts tested all received negative results.
Carterton Mayor Greg Lang said on Saturday that the man had tested positive for the virus.
Since then, nationwide measures have been taken to control the spread of the pandemic.
The man wished to remain anonymous but said he wanted people to "be kind to everyone".
"Although I've been cleared by Public Health, I will continue to do everything I can to help protect my community and follow the isolation rules under the current alert level," he said.
"Being stuck on your own is really difficult. Please keep in touch with your neighbours over the fence and keep a safe distance."
Read more about the Covid-19 coronavirus:
- See all RNZ Covid-19 news
- Government clarifies essential services during lockdown
- Covid-19 alert system: What you need to know
- Covid-19 symptoms: What they are and how they make you feel
- Touching your Face: Why do we do it and how to stop
- Scientific hand-washing advice to avoid infection
- The Coronavirus Podcast
Nine Carterton District Council staff members and the man's friends and family have also been tested.
All came back negative.
The man said it had been a really difficult time for him.
"My workmates and 99 percent of people out there have been really supportive but some have been really harsh on social media.
I just want to remind people to please be kind to everyone."
A council spokesperson said it had been "a very difficult and stressful time for all individuals involved".
"This person did everything right and went into self-isolation as soon as they started to show symptoms, including not coming into work.
"Any speculation to the contrary has been damaging to the community's sense of calm and accurate access to information, and to the staff member's well-being.
"It has also been a period of anxiety, not just for the affected staff member, but for any staff and close contacts who were awaiting test results."
The Ministry of Health's website indicates there are currently a total of five confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Wairarapa District Health Board's region.
- If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre
See all RNZ coverage of Covid-19
Local Democracy Reporting is a public interest news service supported by RNZ, the Newspaper Publishers' Association and NZ On Air.
