If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 (otherwise known as the CORONAVIRUS) you can phone the Ministry of Health on: 0800 358 5453. The number is free and is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
COVID-19 is spread by people coughing or sneezing, close personal contact and coming into contact with an object or surface with viral particles on it (then touching your mouth, nose or eyes).
Symptoms: the symptoms are similar to a range of other illnesses such as influenza and do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. They include: fever, coughing and difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing can be a sign of possible pneumonia and requires immediate medical attention.
Please do not come to Kaikōura Health Te Hā O Te Ora unless instructed.
If you are concerned that you or a family member may have the virus we ask that you CALL and speak to a receptionist. Our reception team will have a Nurse or Doctor call you. If necessary we will arrange for you to come in via a side entrance and be seen in our isolation room. This way we will minimise the chances of the infection being spread
Travellers who become sick within 14 days of their arrival in New Zealand are encouraged to seek medical advice. It is important to mention any recent travel to China and/or any contact with someone with severe acute respiratory illness who has been in China.
Prevention
Keeping individuals, families and our communities safe and healthy in the current global environment requires a team effort. So practicing good hygiene, regularly washing your hands, and practicing good cough etiquette (maintaining distance, covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and washing hands) is really important in keeping yourself and the community safe.
The most important way to stop the spread of infections:
• Regularly wash your hands (for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap and dry thoroughly)
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• If you do feel unwell you should avoid public gatherings and events
• On current advice, hand and cough hygiene are more effective than masks for reducing the spread of novel Coronavirus.
Where to go for further information
The situation throughout the world is changing daily and the Ministry of Health is working to keep the health sector and the public up to date as these changes occur. You can ring Healthline (for free) on 0800 611 116 or you can visit the Ministry of Health’s website at: www.health.govt.nz/coronavirus more information on 2019-nCoV
