Do your bit if the pandemic comes

The first case of Covid-19 has been confirmed in New Zealand — a situation the Ministry of Health describes as anticipated.

Their resources for health professionals web page says ‘we knew the likelihood of an imported case in New Zealand was high, however, the likelihood of a widespread outbreak is low-moderate”.

The Ministry has been using its pandemic plan to guide its actions since the World Health Organisation announced an outbreak of a new coronavirus in mainland China in January, and say they are ready and well prepared.

New Zealanders need to work together to protect each other from Covid-19 and play our part in the global effort to contain it.

Travellers need to consider updated information and advice.

Currently that is that if you have transited through mainland China or Iran, or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with Covid-19 in the last 14 days, that you self-isolate for 14 days from the date of departure or close contact.

You must register your details with Healthline — call 0800 358 5453.

The Ministry is also asking people who have visited Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Republic of

Korea, Singapore and Thailand and who have developed symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath to seek medical advice by first phoning Healthline’s dedicated Covid-19 number as above or contact your GP, including phoning ahead of your visit.

Health professionals are asking people with concerns they might have Covid-19 to ensure they do not attend a clinic without making that initial contact and arranging how they will be met and treated.

They say they do not want infected people randomly turning up at their GP and infecting other patients.

The other issue is clinics having to send exposed staff home, or close, which puts all primary care services will be at risk.

As for the measles outbreak, professional staff are able to assess patients off-site to help prevent spread.

The best advice for the public is to maintain high levels of hygiene, especially as the winter influenza season approaches.

People need to keep their bugs to themselves: cough or sneeze into your arm, maintain regular hand hygiene, stay away from others until you are well. It is also important people get their annual influenza vaccination early — it is usually available at the end of March.