Ashburton District Mayor, Neil Brown is encouraging residents to continue practicing good hygiene and social distancing measures, as the number of COVID-19 cases in Mid Canterbury is revealed.

Three cases of the virus have been identified in Mid Canterbury since the pandemic reached New Zealand's shores, and Mayor Brown says these numbers should reaffirm to residents that the Government's containment measures are vital, even as Alert Levels begin to ease in coming weeks.

"Until this point, the number of COVID-19 cases has been restricted to regional levels and we did not have the data breakdown on how many of those Canterbury numbers were in our area.

"I have sought this information from the Ministry of Health in an effort to help our community appreciate just how important it is that we are all following the lockdown rules, and continue to do what the Government asks of us.

"This virus is not just in main cities or in other regions. It is in our community as well, and the Government is doing everything it can to support those infected and keep it from spreading further."

It is not known how many of the three cases have recovered.

Mayor Brown adds that with the Alert Level Four reducing to Level Three next Tuesday (28 April), people should not become complacent about their health and the health of others.

"Restrictions are being eased next week, but the Government still wants us to stay at home unless we need to get essentials, to work from home if we can, keep our bubbles small and to wash our hands often with soap and dry them properly.

"As a district, we have done very well and made great sacrifices to reduce the spread of COVID-19 thus far. Now, we are beginning to see the results from those sacrifices and a light is starting to appear at the end of the tunnel. Let's keep up this positive momentum we've built for the safety and wellbeing of our community."​