Helping each other through COVID-19

With more cases of COVID-19 in the community, it’s possible you and your whānau will be exposed to the virus. To make sure you’re ready, have a plan in case you or someone in your house tests positive and needs to isolate.

Everyone who tests positive for COVID-19, and those who live with them, will need to isolate for at least 10 days to stop the spread of the virus. If someone else in your house tests positive for COVID-19, they’ll be advised how much longer they need to isolate.

Make a plan

If you’re travelling and away from home, know how you will get home or self isolate where you are.

While isolating, you will need to have all of your food and necessities delivered. You cannot go to work, school, church or any community or private events or gatherings. No one outside of the people you live with can visit or enter the home.

Most fully-vaccinated people with COVID-19 are likely to have a mild to moderate illness and will fully recover at home.

Who can help out

Be prepared in case you’re exposed to COVID-19. Speak with a neighbour, friend, or whānau about the support you could need. For instance, dropping off food and supplies, and help with activities outside the house. Being ready is about people, conversations, connections and knowing what to do, so your whānau and community can help each other when needed.

Support while isolating

It’s normal to feel anxious about isolating with COVID-19.

You’ll have a support person who will contact you often to check that you and your whānau are safe and supported – even if you’re travelling and away from home. You will also get a telephone number for 24-hour health support.

If you need more help or support to manage at home, you can access a COVID-19 welfare line.

What you’ll need

To help you get through, you will need to have food, medications and supplies available to you. Find a detailed checklist to help you prepare at Covid19.govt.nz/prepare