Leaders in the Tauranga community are imploring residents to get tested if displaying symptoms of Covid-19 and to get vaccinated after the return of Covid-19 in the community yesterday.

Two positive cases were confirmed yesterday, one in Mount Maunganui and one in Pyes Pā, Tauranga.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board CEO Pete Chandler says it is probable that there are undetected cases still to be found and that current vaccination rates in the region are not yet high enough.

'This is a final call,” says Pete in relation to getting vaccinated.

'If you don't go to the gate now, you'll miss the plane.”

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says his office is there for residents who are impacted by this latest outbreak.

'While this was inevitable at some point, it will still be concerning to locals,” says Bridges.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges. Photo. John Borren.

'Those with symptoms should get tested, and those who aren't yet should get vaccinated.

'My electorate office and I are always available to help constituents affected in anyway - don't hesitate to get in contact.”

Bay of Plenty District Health Board Covid-19 incident controller Trevor Richardson highlighted the symptoms of Covid-19 and says anyone suffering with them should get tested whilst again forcing home the importance of vaccinations.

'Getting fully vaccinated will help protect you and the people you love against Covid-19” says Trevor.

Symptoms of Covid-19 can include: a new or worsening cough, sneezing and runny nose, fever, temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste, sore throat, and shortness of breath.

Tauranga City Council commission chair Anne Tolley, who revealed to Stuff yesterday that her brother-in-law had died of Covid-19 in the United Kingdom, highlighted the importance of vaccinations.

Tauranga City Council commission chair Anne Tolley. Photo. John Borren.

'Unfortunately we do now have Covid in our community and that emphasises how important it is for everyone who has not already done so to get vaccinated,” says Tolley.

'The evidence is clear – vaccination hugely reduces the impact of Covid-19. People who have been fully vaccinated are less likely to catch the virus and they're much less likely to need hospitalisation or to die as a result of infection.”

She also pointed out the crucial measures such as wearing face coverings, social distancing, maintaining good hygiene and use of the NZ Covid-tracer app as ways to protect those around us.

'Let's do everything we can to keep our whānau and friends safe,” says Tolley.

Whilst not directly impacted, Western Bay of Plenty District Council are asking constituents who regularly travel through Tauranga to keep scanning and if feeling unwell to get a test.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Matt Cowley believes that this outbreak will see Tauranga enter the Government's new traffic light framework at red status in the coming weeks and is imploring employers in the area to do their bit.

'It's not surprising to hear cases have arrived as our region is part of the Golden Triangle where Delta has established itself,” says Cowley.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Matt Cowley. File Image.

'It is likely that we will enter the Government's new traffic light framework under a red status in the next few weeks.

'Tauranga's case numbers will likely increase over the coming days. Employers should be anticipating that some of their staff may need to isolate at home and should be putting in steps to avoid Delta infecting whole teams and impacting their capacity to deliver.”

In a statement on their Facebook page, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ranginui iwi are calling on locals to protect kaumātua and whānau by getting tested if symptomatic.

'Keep an eye on the locations of interest which are updated on the Ministry's website,” says the statement.

'Continue to scan, wear masks and wash your hands and if you haven't already done so, consider getting vaccinated. Evidence shows this is our best defence against Covid-19. Kia mataara.”

They also pressed home the message of good hygiene.

'With two confirmed cases of Covid-19 in our rohe here is an important reminder, good hygiene is one of the best defences against Covid-19! Be sure to wash your hands regularly and cough or sneeze into your elbow.”

They also point toward hapori vaccination centres which can be found on keiakoe.nz or to visit karawhiua.nz for vaccination services in other areas.

'Whānau, if you are not yet vaccinated for Covid-19, now is the time to sort that out.”

In a statement on social media, the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence team has highlighted the importance of contact tracing in the fight to contain any outbreak.

'It's not great news about Covid arriving in Tauranga but we knew it would happen sooner or later,” reads a statement.

'It's important for us all remember to keep track of wherever we go and to be aware of locations of interest- either through your tracer app or in a notebook.

'As the virus spreads, contact tracers may not be able to get in touch with all contacts quickly, so it makes a big difference if we can isolate and get tested early.

'Look after yourselves and each other.”