Minimising the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is important to keep our people safe and well at home and at work. Amid growing concerns, we have seen a great deal of information which is making it difficult to determine fact from fiction. Te Arawa Lakes Trust strongly recommend taking a precautionary approach and to follow any infectious disease protocols advised by the New Zealand Ministries of Health and Education.
Things to know:
Is COVID-19 in New Zealand?
Yes, the first case in New Zealand was confirmed on Friday 28 Febuary, a second case on Wednesday 4 March, and a third case on Thursday 5 March
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness, similar to the flu. This includes:
- Fever; and
- Respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing
Prevention – What can I do to protect myself?
The best advice is to practice good hygiene and hand-washing techniques, including:
- Washing hands thoroughly (at least 20 seconds) with soap and water,
or a hand sanitiser:
- Before eating or handling food
- After using the toilet
- After caring for sick people
- Coughing and sneezing into your elbow or a tissue (rather than onto your hands) and then putting the used tissue straight into the bin and washing your hands
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and a cough
- Self-isolating if you have flu like symptoms (see below for more info)
Should I use a face mask?
Current advice shows that hand washing, hygiene and good cough etiquette are far more effective than face masks for reducing the spread of the virus.
What should I do if I think I have been exposed?
People returning from mainland China, Iran, northern Italy or the Republic of Korea, or may have been exposed should self-isolate. To find out more, see the Ministry of Health’s Self-isolation resource.
- If you returned from mainland China, Iran, northern Italy or the Republic of Korea in the last 14 days, then you should self-isolate for 14 days from the date of departure.
- If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 you should self-isolate for 14 days from the date of close contact.
Is there a vaccine?
Currently, there us no specific treatment for COVID-19, but medical care can treat most symptoms
Is it safe to travel?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing the latest advice for travellers on the Safe Travel website
If you have health-related concerns about COVID-19 call the dedicated 0800 number: 0800 358 543. This line is free and is staffed by medical officials, nurses, paramedics and health advisors 24 hours, 7 days a week.