At Alert Level 4, there are important rules we all need to follow to keep ourselves and each other safe.
It’s important at Level 4 that we all stay within our immediate household bubble. If you live alone, you can arrange with another person living alone or a household to be part of your household bubble.
If you need to go out to access goods or services or to exercise, keep at least 2 metres apart from other people at all times.
You must wear a face covering when visiting Alert Level 4 businesses and services, including supermarkets, pharmacies and service stations.
If you feel unwell you must immediately self-isolate from others in your bubble and if you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, call Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453 your doctor or nurse, or your Iwi health provider. A health professional will let you know the next steps and if you should get a test.
If you have any other medical issues, don’t put off seeking help. Health and medical facilities will remain open while we are at Alert Level 4. However, if you need to see a doctor or other medical professional you must phone first. Most consultations will happen over the phone or by video conference to stop any risk of COVID-19 spreading by person-to-person contact.
Face coverings can help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to wear a face covering whenever you leave your home.
Face coverings are now mandatory for most public places under Alert Level 4. You legally must wear a face covering if you are a customer or an employee involving customer contact at a business or service.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important step you can take to protect yourself, your friends and family from the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme resumed from 8am, Thursday 19 August.
Vaccination sites will be operating under Alert Level 4 conditions. Physical distancing requirements at the sites means there might be fewer people vaccinated.
The reduced capacity means we may need to postpone some appointments. If they need to postpone your appointment you will be contacted by the Ministry of Health, your DHB, or healthcare provider.
If you do not hear anything, please go to your appointment as scheduled.
If you haven’t already booked in to get your vaccine and you are eligible, go to the Book My Vaccine Website or call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26.
Aged care services at Alert Level 4
Essential personal care services, such as toileting, washing and feeding, will continue as usual. Some home help, such as house cleaning, may be available where appropriate PPE is used.
NGO delivered services, such as social connection, health promotion and education activities are suspended, however other non-contact ways of providing this support are encouraged, such as ZOOM or by phone.
Aged residential care and disability residential care are essential services and must continue to be available. For aged residential care, hospices and disability residential care, family visits are not permitted.
Looking after your mental health
It’s normal to feel anxious or stressed in times of difficulty. Here's some tips of things you can do to take care of your mental health:
Stay connected
This is important for our wellbeing and helps to make us feel safer, less stressed and less anxious. We can support each other by keeping the connections and close ties to others that we forged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, worried or scared. Reach out and talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you’re feeling or even write them down in a journal.
Stick to routines where possible
Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower, change your clothes, and do your chores.
Exercise
Even just a stroll around the block can help you relax and have a positive impact on your thoughts.
Check in on other people who might need help
Reach out to those who you think may be feeling stressed or concerned, particularly those who live alone. It can benefit both you and the person receiving support.
If you are feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to call or text1737
Helpful phone numbers
Support is still available during Alert Level 4
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, call the COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453
For any other health concerns, contact your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116
If you are feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to call or text 1737
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