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COVID-19 KOWHEORI-19

At alert level 1 we will continue to ask additional screening questions when booking an appointment.

If you or one of your children are unwell with a cough, sore throat, runny nose or fever please request a video or phone appointment in the first instance.

If you require a Covid-19 test (swab) — please call us and you will be assessed by a GP who can book you in — do not come directly to the clinic. There is currently no testing of asymptomatic patients (patients who are well or have no symptoms).

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an 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.

If you have these symptoms and 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 or you have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19.

Dedicated Healthline 0800 number for COVID-19 health advice and information

The number is 0800 358 5453
(or for international SIMs +64 9 358 5453).

It is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

People calling that line will be able to talk with a member of the National Telehealth Service. They have access to interpreters.

Immunisation

As this is a new virus, there is currently no vaccine available. Researchers are in the early stages of developing one.

More information (Ministry of Health NZ)

MoH social media:

  • Facebook page: @minhealthnz
  • Twitter channel @minhealthnz

MoH will be using these channels to alert people to key updates and messaging specifically about COVID-19.
World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 website
New Zealand Government COVID-19 website

Be kind. Stay safe. Unite against COVID-19.

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

  • Stay home if you’re sick
  • Keep track of where you’ve been
  • Wear a face covering on public transport
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds) – then dry
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues
  • Be kind. Check-in on the elderly or vulnerable