With the announcement by the Prime Minister today that the country is to move to the Red Traffic Light Setting from 11:59pm tonight, 23 January 2022, it is important for everyone to review what we need to do.
The details of requirements at the red setting can be found here. https://covid19.govt.nz/traffic-lights/
There are important messages we need to attend to to protect ourselves and our families as we remain in the first phase of an Omicron outbreak in the community, especially before it comes to Tairāwhiti. We are still as a country attempting to stop the spread of the virus, to limit impact on people within the community but to also ensure our health system remains with the capacity to respond to people, both those with the virus and those needing care in general.
Key Messages
- Get vaccinated/boosted. This is the most important as the evidence is clear that having current good vaccination protection limits the impact of the disease. You are more likely to be able to manage your own care at home. You are less likely to need hopsitalisation. The most value is in having recently completed vaccination or had a booster dose. If you have not been vaccinated please reconsider and start with the first dose today, and if you have had one dose then please complete with a second. Boosters are available four months after the second dose for those aged 18 and over. There is similar value for children in getting vaccinated – for themselves and for whānau.
Find out where you can get a vaccination done here: https://bit.ly/3ydZELZ
- The basics of the public health response are still needed – please wear a face covering when you are out of you home and definitely in-doors. Ensure you regularly clean you hands, maintain social distancing (1 metre) from people who are not in your bubble, keep in-door settings well ventilated and scan QR codes with bluetooth on.
- If you have any smptoms of the virus, please get tested. The symptoms include cold, flu symptoms, sore throat, cough, or gastro symptoms like diarrhoea.
You can get tested this week at:
- 110 Peel St: 9am-12pm
- Your GP – please call first
- Te Puia Hospital: 9am-12pm (By appointment following phone Triage: call (06) 864 6803)
For more information around testing, please see here: https://bit.ly/3J8zG1F
- Create a Family/Whānau plan for what to do if someone in your household tests positive and or you need to self isloate due to exposure to someone who is positive. The plan should include how you will make sure you can access food and other supplies, who can assist with care giving, and how you can support other households should they need it.
- For those with businesses and for all people in workplaces, look at how you can prevent and phase spread in the workplace by mask wearing and public health measures – especially those businesses specifically covered by the Red Traffic Light settings. Plan for how the business will continue with significnat numbers of people away sick or self isloating.
Finally, please remember the Prime Minister’s advice to remain kind and to reach out to support one another.