Emergency at Gore Hospital: COVID-19 Outbreak Halts Admissions and Visitors
By Lions Roar News National Health Desk
GORE, NEW ZEALAND (December 29, 2025) – Gore Hospital has been forced into an immediate partial lockdown following a confirmed COVID-19 outbreak within its inpatient ward. The facility has officially suspended all new patient admissions and restricted visitor access as medical teams scramble to contain the spread of the virus.
The outbreak, which was confirmed on Sunday, December 28, has placed a significant strain on the Southland healthcare hub during the busy holiday period.
🏥 Immediate Restrictions in Place
Gore Health Chief Executive Karl Metzler confirmed that the decision to halt admissions was made after routine testing revealed multiple positive cases among patients in the inpatient ward.
The Current Measures:
- No New Admissions: The hospital is not currently accepting new patients to the inpatient ward. Individuals requiring urgent hospital-level care are being diverted to Southland Hospital in Invercargill.
- Visitor Ban: To prevent community transmission and protect vulnerable patients, a general visitor ban has been implemented. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for compassionate reasons (e.g., end-of-life care), subject to strict PPE requirements.
- Testing & Isolation: All current patients and staff within the affected ward are undergoing rigorous testing. Those who have tested positive are being isolated according to standard infection control protocols.
“Our primary focus is the safety of our patients and our dedicated staff,” Metzler stated. “While we understand this is difficult for families during the festive season, these measures are essential to break the chain of transmission.”
🔍 The Local Context: A Holiday Surge?
The outbreak at Gore Hospital comes as health officials monitor a slight uptick in respiratory illnesses across the southern region. While widespread pandemic mandates have long ended, localized outbreaks in high-risk environments like hospitals and aged-care facilities continue to require decisive action.
The Mataura Valley community has been urged to remain vigilant. Health authorities recommend that anyone experiencing even mild respiratory symptoms—such as a cough, sore throat, or fever—should avoid visiting healthcare facilities and stay home until they are well.
🚑 Services Still Available
Despite the inpatient ward lockdown, some hospital services remain operational with added precautions:
- Gore Health Centre / GP Services: Essential primary care services remain open, though patients are asked to call ahead if they have cold or flu symptoms.
- Emergency Triage: While the ward is closed for admissions, the facility can still provide initial triage for emergencies before transferring patients if necessary.
