Unite against COVID-19 update

13 April 2020

Please see new updates in yellow. 

What will Level 3 mean?

Some general information about what Alert Level 3 will mean for individuals and businesses will be released publicly this week on the COVID-19 website.

At Level 3, there will still be restrictions on workplaces, schools and gatherings to make sure New Zealand continues to win the fight against COVID-19.

Health and wellbeing   

·       It's important that people do not neglect potentially serious health conditions because of concerns around COVID-19.

·       Don’t delay seeking medical care for things other than COVID-19 symptoms.

·       Don’t be concerned about needing to go to a medical facility – they’ll keep you away from patients with COVID-19 symptoms.

·       If you have symptoms on Easter Monday, you can still get tested – phone your GP or Healthline first. Most testing stations are open today.

·       A new mental health campaign "Getting through together" has been launched to help Kiwis care for their mental health during the Covid-19 crisis. See more information here. 

Business

·       Essential businesses, and those that support them, will continue to provide the necessities of life for everyone in New Zealand. To see which services are considered essential please visit here.  

·       Some general information about what Alert Level 3 will mean for individuals and businesses will be released publicly this week.

·       At Level 3, there will still be restrictions on workplaces, schools and gatherings to make sure New Zealand continues to win the fight against COVID-19.

·       Businesses have been asked to think about how to support contact-tracing tools or mechanisms and keep track of supply chain and customers.  

Transport and travel 

·       While we are in Alert Level 4, some people may need to travel outside their local area to support a loved one in need. People will only get permission to travel in rare circumstances. See here for more information. 

·       A small number of people will be eligible for exemption from managed isolation, such as unaccompanied minors, medical transfers, and those with serious medical conditions that cannot be managed in the accommodation provided.

·       You must apply for an exemption before booking your travel. If you do not hold an exemption before you fly, you will be placed in managed isolation. See more on the COVID19 website.

·       All travellers entering New Zealand from overseas from midnight 9 April 2020 are required to undergo fourteen days of isolation in managed isolation in government-provided facilities (hotel) in the city they arrive into, either Auckland or Christchurch. Visit here for more information. 

Lifelines

·       With bad weather forecast for central and southern New Zealand, it’s vital that you stay local and don’t do anything that may require an emergency services call out.

·       Emergency and infrastructure services are on standby for severe weather expected on Easter Monday and Tuesday.

·       Where councils have suspended recycle collections, households are being asked to hold or stockpile recycling to reduce overflow at kerbside.

Education

·       The school term starts on Wednesday with on-line learning and TV education channels during school hours – available on TVNZ2+1, TVNZ on Demand, Sky Channel 502, and Maori Television in te reo.

·       Paper resources and devices are being sent to some homes where children can’t access a computer or the internet.

·       The Ministry of Education is supporting essential workers who are in need of childcare services by working with home-based providers who can offer care for children aged 0-14.

·       During the lockdown, school buildings and playgrounds are closed, unless the buildings have been approved for a special use by the Secretary for Education.

Community support 

·       The Student Volunteer Army is offering a contact-less food ordering and delivery service for over 65’s, medically vulnerable and families of healthcare workers or healthcare workers themselves, available in limited cities, but expanding each week. Details are on their website here.

·       A range of content for Pacific peoples is now on the COVID19 website, and includes a regular bulletin of information.

·       A large number of New Zealand sign language videos have been added to the COVID19 website. These will be updated as new information becomes available.

·       The Government has launched a WhatsApp channel for people to find information about COVID-19. See here for more information. 

·       If you’re not sure what assistance may be available or don’t know who to contact for help, visit covid19.govt.nz or call the free government helpline on 0800 779 997

Law and order 

·       Concerned members of the public can now report COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restriction breaches to Police by completing an online form. The online form can be found at https://www.police.govt.nz/105support

·       Police continue to take the approach of educating and informing people of their responsibilities in the first instance, but will not hesitate to take enforcement action if people continue to ignore the restrictions.

Key contacts and sources of information

·       Healthline 0800 358 5453

·       Government helpline 0800 779 997 

·       Need to talk? Call or text 1737 or visit www.allright.org.nz/campaigns/getting-through-together

·       Essential business enquiries essential@mbie.govt.nz or 0800 22 66 57

·       Reporting breaches of self-isolation NHCCselfisolation@health.govt.nz

·       Reporting breaches of any Level 4 Alert restrictions 105.police.govt.nz

·       #Manaaki20.org; 0508-4-Manaaki

Frequently asked Questions

Q. Who needs to get tested for COVID-19?

Under the current case definition, anyone who is unwell with an acute respiratory infection (such as a dry cough) and at least one of a cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, head cold, loss of sense of smell fits the definition of a suspect case and would ideally be tested to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of COVID-19. The person does not need to have a fever to meet the definition. 

Health professionals are the best people to decide when testing is needed.

Q. How does testing work?

There is more than one way to test for COVID-19 (for example a nose swab or a sputum test). Whatever form a test takes, it involves collecting a sample that is then sent to a lab to be analysed.  
 
Whatever form your test takes, it is likely the results may take some time. Anyone being tested will be told when and how to expect their results. Whether you test positive or negative, you should be notified about your results.  
 
Anyone being tested should follow the advice they are given at the time about what to do next. 

Q. I’m a single parent. Can I take my young children to do the groceries? 

A. If at all possible only send one person from your household to do the whole shop. You may need to take young children with you if there is no carer available. Find more advice for shopping safely on the COVID19 website.