March 24, 2020
Messaging from Waitemata Police
Current situation: New Zealand has 155 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19. For a summary of the current status see the latest media release (23 March).
More information is available on the Ministry of Health current cases page. With continued vigilance, the chance of widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low.
More information can be located on this website:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
Or information in Te Reo Māori:
New Zealand is currently at Alert Level 3 – Restrict
Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern has announced New Zealand COVID-19 alert levels. These new alert levels specify the public health and social measures to be taken. Nationwide, New Zealand is currently at Level 3 – Restrict. This means there is heightened risk that the disease is not contained.
Level 3 Restrict means
Heightened risk that disease is not contained.
Risk assessment
Community transmission is occurring OR Multiple clusters break out.
Range of measures (can be applied locally or nationally):
Travel in areas with clusters or community transmission limited
Affected educational facilities closed
Mass gatherings cancelled
Public venues closed (e.g. libraries, museums, cinemas, food courts, gyms, pools, amusement parks)
Alternative ways of working required and some non-essential businesses should close
Non-face-to-face primary care consultations
Non-acute (elective) services and procedures in hospitals deferred and healthcare staff reprioritised
By staying at home right now, you’re doing a great thing to protect the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders, including your whānau, friends and community. Ngā mihi, thank you.
It’s all right to feel anxious, angry, scared or worried right now. Your wellbeing, while you’re staying at home, is important and we want you to know you’re not alone. He waka eke noa – we’re all in this together.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a type of coronavirus. There are simple steps you can take to protect you and your family/whānau.
Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
a cough
a high temperature (at least 38°C)
shortness of breath.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
Shortness of breath is a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
We don’t yet know how long symptoms take to show after a person has been infected, but current World Health Organization assessments suggest that it is 2–10 days.
If you have these symptoms and have recently been overseas, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please telephone Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor immediately.
How it spreads
COVID-19, like the flu, can be spread from person to person. When a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or talks, they may spread droplets containing the virus a short distance, which quickly settle on surrounding surfaces.
You may get infected by the virus if you touch those surfaces or objects and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
That’s why it’s really important to use good hygiene, regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands, and use good cough etiquette.
Prevention – how to protect yourself and others
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately.
Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds).
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, sharing cups or food with sick people.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
Stay home if you feel unwell.
Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have been recently been overseas or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19.
Health and Wellbeing
These tips are to help get you thinking about what will help your mental health at the moment. These small actions are big mood-boosters – find what works for you and keep at it.
Use technology to stay connected
Connect with the people who are important to you on the phone, through social media, video chats and text. Self-isolation doesn’t mean cutting off all communication – in fact, it’s more important than ever to talk and listen, share stories and advice, and stay in touch with the people who matter to you. For example, you might want to organise a digital shared lunch or schedule a daily phone call with your grandmother.
Take notice of things that make you feel good
Eating healthy food, noticing the beauty outside your window or on a walk around the block, taking time to thank people. Appreciating ngā manu (birds), ngā kapua (clouds) ngā rakau (trees) around you. Pay attention to how you feel when you do these things and then try to do them more often.
Keep moving
Try not to spend all day in bed or on the couch. Getting some exercise helps your mind and body to release tension and stress and gives you the energy and good feelings you need to get through. Find ways to move your body and your mood every day. Remember, you can go outside, but you need to limit your contact with others. It’s ok to go for a walk, run or ride your bike, as long as you avoid people who aren’t self-isolating.
Think about what you have to give
Giving helps us to feel we’re still a part of our whānau and community even when we have to stay at home. You’ve got so much to offer – get creative and think about ways you can give your time, skills and knowledge to help others. For example, can you text a compliment to someone, share a recipe or book recommendation on social media, or call someone who might be feeling lonely?
Stick to a routine
This sounds boring but it will help you get through each day. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat regularly, shower, change your clothes, get some fresh air, book in video-chats with colleagues or friends, do your chores. Make sure you make time for fun!
Find ways to relax
This is especially important if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Finding things that help you breathe deeply, switch off and recharge will help you to feel better.
For support with grief, anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to talk with a trained counsellor.
Go on an information diet
Covid-19 is a global issue and the endless updates from news outlets and people on social media can be completely overwhelming. Visit https://covid19.govt.nz for information and pick one trusted news source and check it once per day. Pay attention to how news coverage makes your feel and switch off if you need to.
Taking care of those who are more vulnerable (children, disabled, sick, Kaumātua and Kuia)
Experts and overseas experience tell us that those over 70 years of age are most at risk. If you have a whanau member, someone in your community or someone that you know who requires support, please reach out.
Children, the disabled and those that are sick are also vulnerable. Remember though, in-order to be effective, you must look after yourself first and make sure you are as fit and healthy as you can be.
Waitematā Police
The NZ Police in Waitematā are still available to help wherever you need.
For emergency matters, contact us by dialling 111 or if you have a non-emergency query, ring 105.
He waka eke noa!
Kia tau te rangimārie me te aroha ki a koutou katoa
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