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COVID-19 public information

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COVID-19 public information

The government website COVID-19 brings together information for the public on health, travel, business, looking after eachother, financial assistance, and many more areas of live in NZ that are being impacted by COVID-19.

The official Ministry of Health website is still the main source of all up-to-date New Zealand COVID-19 health information and advice.

FAQs

Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap and dry them thoroughly:

  • before eating or handling food
  • after using the toilet
  • after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or wiping children’s noses
  • after caring for sick people
  • if you have been touching things in a public place.

Why? To kill the virus if it’s on your hands.

Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing

Why? If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.

Stay away from others if you’re unwell. This includes staying home from work or school.

Keep a distance from others who are not in your "bubble". Know and follow the rules around physical distancing in different locations and activities.

Why? To stop the spread of infection to others.

For the official latest advice go to covid19.govt.nz

  • If you have these symptoms, telephone Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453
  • Seek medical care right away if your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing).
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not go to your GP/medical centre without contacting them in advance, so they can prepare. Do not use public transport. Self-isolate until you have contacted Healthline or your doctor and received advice.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a range of other illnesses such as influenza and do not necessarily mean that you have COVID-19.

Symptoms include:

  • a cough
  • a high temperature (at least 38°C)
  • shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • sneezing and runny nose
  • temporary loss of smell.


Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.

If you have these symptoms please call Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453 or you can call your doctor immediately. If you're outside New Zealand call +64 9 358 5453 or your doctor. Call your doctor before visiting.

  • Although COVID is a serious illness and fatal in some cases, most people show only mild or moderate symptoms and recover well.
  • Those most likely at risk are older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

New Zealand is currently at Level 2 COVID alert. What is allowed and what is restricted may change during this level, so keep an eye on official information and reliable sources of news.

For advice on what the current Level means for you and your family, please go to covid19.govt.nz

Key messages for Waikato people

  • Keep informed through reliable and official sources.
  • If you have any of the symptoms at all, take up the opportunity to be assessed and tested at one of our community based assessment centres (CBAC)
  • Follow instructions and advice. There is plenty of information on the government website COVID-19 that explains what you can and cannot do during the current alert level. 
  • Be kind and considerate. We are all in this together.
  • Practice good hygiene – correct handwashing, coughing and sneezing into the crook of your elbow.
  • If you are required to self-isolate, this does not mean you have COVID-19. It is a precautionary measure. Follow the rules. If symptoms develop, contact Healthline 0800 358 5453