As we have returned to Alert level 2 and we know the disease can spread very quickly so we’d like to remind everyone to follow the guidelines below:

• Use the NZ COVID Tracer app and record your visits everywhere you go.
• Wash your hands – use hand sanitiser
• Practise social distancing when out in public.
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow
• Stay at home if you feel unwell and call Kaikōura Health if you have flu/COVID like symptoms. 
• Wear a mask – these must be worn correctly, more information at the website https://covid19.govt.nz/health-and-wellbeing/protect-yourself-and-others/wear-a-face-covering/

Do you need to see a doctor? 

• Please ring us, we’re still here for you. 
• Please do not come into the Health Centre if you are unwell without phoning ahead 03 319 3501.
• You will be asked a series of screening questions when you book your appointment and when you come into the facility. This is to manage the risk of infection.
• If the waiting room is at capacity you may be asked to wait in your car until we phone you to come in.
• If you are coming into the clinic (remember to call us first before you come in) please bring a mask to wear. 
• Social distancing will be observed in the waiting room and all magazines have been removed. Feel free to bring a book, magazine or make use of the free wifi available while you wait.
• Please remember to sanitise your hands when you come into Kaikōura Health and again when you leave. 
• Video and telephone consultations are still available.  If you wish to have a video or telephone consult with a Doctor or Nurse please let reception know, they will ask you some questions to make sure that you do not need to be seen face to face.  Normal charges apply for video and telephone consults.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

• If you are unwell with cold, flu or COVID- like symptoms you should stay home and call us on 03 3193501.  Please call first, do not come in. The team will arrange for you to be assessed by one of our clinical team and if necessary, have a COVID swab.
• We continue to swab all patients who meet the Ministry of health guidelines.

What should I do if I have visited Auckland in the last 2-3 weeks?

• If you have visited Auckland in the last three weeks please check the locations of interest on the Ministry of health website and notify us if you have been in one of these places during the times described.  We will arrange for you to be swabbed.    https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19/covid-19-contact-tracing-locations-interest#current 

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Visiting inpatients or residents of Kaikōura Health:

• If you are feeling unwell, please do not visit our inpatients or residents. We understand that you want to support friends and family receiving care, but it is important that our vulnerable community members are protected from this disease. 

Aged Residential Care has restricted access at level 2 

• Only 2 designated visitors may visit our residents, one at a time, for up to 30 minutes in Aged Residential Care. Please do not be offended if you are turned away because you are not one of the designated visitors, these steps are necessary to ensure we keep our residents safe and well. If you are designated visitor please come to the side entrance on the main deck to enter our Aged Residential Care wing.  Staff will let you in once they have completed the screening required.
• Please remember to sanitise your hands when you come into Kaikōura Health and again when you leave.
• Please bring a mask to wear while you are visiting.

Acute Inpatient Unit has restricted access at Level 2

• The patients can have 2 designated visitors, one at a time, for up to 30 minutes each visit.
• The patients in the acute wing can have one visitor at a time and that visitor must be screened before being allowed access.

In special circumstances the nurse Manager may allow extra visitors. 

What if levels change?
Kaikōura District Council, Neighbourhood Support/GetsReady and Kaikōura Health Te Hā o Te Ora have systems in place with Te Hā o Mātauranga, Te Tai O Marokura, Te Whare Putea, Maori Wardens, St Johns, Red Cross and other local service groups to ensure that we are well prepared and ready to respond if the COVID Levels change.