COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the COVID-19 virus?

As per the COVID19.govt.nz website, COVID-19 is a new virus that can affect your lungs and airways. There are some simple practices you can adopt to protect yourself and your whānau. Read More



What is the COVID-19 Alert Level System?

New Zealand's four-level COVID-19 Alert System specifies public health and social measures to be taken against COVID-19. On 25th March 2020, New Zealand went from Alert Level 3, to Alert Level 4, which resulted in only essential services open, and social activities put on hold during a national lockdown. Read More



What activities can I do during Alert Level 4 in New Zealand?

Physical exercise plays an important role in our wellbeing. Stay local for activities like walking around the block, or at home for any other forms of exercise. Activities that might put you at risk of being hurt or lost and would require emergency services are not allowed. These activities include, but are not limited to, swimming at the beach, surfing, boating, hunting or tramping. Any non-essential activity that would require you to use your vehicle is not allowed. You can use your own personal transport, like a car or bike, if you need to access essential services. The Alert Level 4 System requires social distancting and any form of social gathering is not allowed. Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services will be available to assist via remote delivery of services, and can be contacted via free phone: 08004284582. Please stay at home as much as you can. Any unnecessary travel could spread COVID-19. If you are over 70, or are immunosuppressed, you should not be leaving the house at all. If you feel you are not coping, it is important to talk with a health professional. 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. Read More



What is an essential service?

Essential businesses, and those that support them, will continue to provide the necessities of life for everyone in New Zealand during Alert Level 4. This means food, medicine, healthcare, energy, fuel, waste-removal, internet and financial support will continue to be available. Additionally some online retailers have opened up selling essential products online. These retailers include the likes of The Warehouse, Noel Leeming, Mitre 10, and others. Read More



What support is available if I have lost my job due to the COVID-19 lockdown?

If you’ve lost your job or had your hours reduced you may be able to get a benefit or some other financial help from Work and Income. Work and Income can help with urgent costs like:

  • food
  • accommodation costs (rent, mortgage, board, emergency housing)
  • repairs or replacing appliances
  • emergency dental treatment
  • emergency medical treatment
  • water tank refill.
Read More



What are some of the official NZ sites for information on COVID-19?

There are a few government sites with information around the COVID-19 virus and prevention. The http://covid19.govt.nz/ is dedicated to providing up to date information on the current status of the COVID-19 virus in New Zealand along with links to relevant websites. There are also social media accounts, provided by the govenment, that continue to distribute up to date information relevant to the current pandemic. Facebook Twitter



What is essential travel?

You can travel if you’re accessing essential services or if you’re an essential worker travelling to, from or as part of your essential work. You should only travel in your car with people from your household. Remember, any unnecessary travel may spread COVID-19. #essentialtravel #staythecourse Read More



What about support for kids who can't go to school?

The Ministry of Eduction has put in place resources to help distance learning due to the lockdown and COVID-19 virus. Read More A list of other great resources that would help in distance learning for kids:



What are some ideas to do with those in my bubble during the lockdown at home?

See a list of compiled resources to help whanau during Alert Level 4, and moving forward. Check it out.



 

Official Government Links

Most of the Government websites have social media pages. The links to their social media pages can be found by looking for the appropriate social media icon. Some of the more popular icons are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Not all departments support all social platforms.

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