COVID-19

Based on the latest advice from the Ministry of Health, our advice to you is as follows:

If you have the symptoms and have recently been to a country or area of concern, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please call Healthline's COVID-19 line, with translators and interpreters available 24/7 in 150 languages:

  • Free call 0800 358 5453
  • +64 9 358 5453 for international SIMS

If you intend to visit your GP or after-hours medical centre, phone ahead to let them know.

More health advice and virus prevention information is available on the Ministry of Health website:

COVID-19 health advice for the public – Ministry of Health

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) – Ministry of Education

http://education.govt.nz/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-3/

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) guidance – Ministry of Health

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

The best defence against exposure to the illness is offered on the Ministry of Health website. This centres around regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with those who may be ill, covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing and carefully monitoring for symptoms.

As always anyone who is unwell should not be at school if you have a particular concern about your child, contact Healthline at 0800 611 116 or your GP for medical advice.


Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a range of other illnesses such as influenza. Having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have COVID-19.

  • new or worsening cough
  • sneezing and runny nose
  • fever
  • temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath

Less common symptoms of COVID-19 may include diarrhoea, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain or confusion/irritability. These almost always occur with one or more of the common symptoms.

Symptoms tend to arise around two to five days after a person has been infected but can take up to 14 days to show. The virus can be passed onto others before they know they have it – from up to two days before symptoms develop.


Preventing the risk

You can take some simple steps to help stop the spread of diseases like COVID-19:

Avoid close contact with people with cold or flu-like illnesses.

Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing.

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.

Go to the Ministry of Health website for more information about preventing the risk: COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) guidance – Ministry of Health


How to protect yourself and others

To protect yourself and others it’s important to: 

  • stay home if you’re sick, and get a test 
  • get vaccinated as soon as you can 
  • wear a face covering
  • use basic hygiene
  • improve air ventilation in indoor areas
  • practise physical distancing in public when possible 
  • keep track of where you’ve been (with the NZ COVID Tracer App).

Read more about how to protect yourself and others and visit the Unite Against COVID-19 website


What to do if you're concerned

If you have the symptoms and have recently been to a country or area of concern, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, please call Healthline's COVID-19 line, with translators and interpreters available 24/7 in 150 languages:

  • Free call 0800 358 5453
  • +64 9 358 5453 for international SIMS

If you intend to visit your GP or after-hours medical centre, phone ahead to let them know.

More health advice and virus prevention information is available on the Ministry of Health website: COVID-19 health advice for the public – Ministry of Health


High-risk individuals

People with underlying health conditions are most at risk of COVID-19 becoming a severe illness. You are more vulnerable if you:

  • are over 70 years old with a medical condition
  • live in an aged care facility where spread can occur more easily
  • have a medical condition and/or compromised immunity. 
  • are pregnant.

Other risk factors include ethnicity, smoking and obesity.


Further information is available at:

https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/for-everyone/vulnerable-people/


https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-health-advice-general-public/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-questions-and-answers