Get ready for COVID-19
We now have widespread cases of COVID-19 Omicron in our communities. Please be aware that anywhere you go you may be at risk so remember to take all the precautions you can to protect yourself and your family.
High risk locations of interest can be found on the Ministry of Health website – please note there may be some delay in this information being uploaded so keep checking.
Please do not go to work or school if you have symptoms – go and get tested and isolate until you have your result.
Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19, so we encourage you to be fully vaccinated – this includes getting your booster.
There are also many simple, practical things you can do to prepare in case you, or someone in your household becomes unwell.
Make a plan that includes
- Essential supplies on hand so you will not need to leave your home if you become ill
- Avoid panic buying. Add a few extra items every time you shop
- Remember to renew your prescription medications
- Alternative arrangements in case you become ill or if you need to care for a sick family member. For example:
- Have backup childcare in case you or your usual care provider become ill
- If you care for dependents, have a backup caregiver in place
- If you need to self-isolate away from your home have a back-up person to feed/exercise/ look after your animals
- Talk to your employer about working from home if possible
Have your contacts ready
Healthcare
- Your doctor
- Your pharmacy
- Healthline
Your support network
- Family
- Friends
- Neighbours
- School
- Work
Have household instructions ready
Make a list of household instructions of things you usually do but cannot while isolating, such as
- feeding pets
- paying bills
- watering the plants
- instructions on how to use things
Communicate
- Share your plan with your family, friends and neighbours.
- Set up a buddy system to check in on each other by phone, email or text during times of need.
Protect yourself and others against COVID-19
Shopping checklist
Food
- dried pasta and rice
- pasta sauces
- canned soups, vegetables and beans
- pet food and supplies
- food, formula and drinks for babies and small children
- dried or long life milk
- baking supplies
Hygiene
- toilet paper
- feminine hygiene products
- nappies and wipes
- facial tissue
- soap, shampoo and conditioner
- alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol
Health care
- regular medicines
- thermometer
- fever-reducing medications (e.g. paracetomol/ibuprofen)
- throat lozengers
- medical masks
- household rubber gloves
- tissues
- heat and cool packs
Cleaning
- paper towels
- plastic bin bags
- laundry detergent
- regular household cleaning products
- hard-surface disinfectant, or if not available, concentrated (5%) liquid bleach and a separate container for dilution
Be prepared for being at home checklist
- puzzles
- books
- magazines
- cards/games
- podcasts
- soothing music
- TV/Netflix
- colouring and other activities for children
- radio
- community and daily newspapers
- batteries
- outdoor activities for in your yard
- house projects to keep adults who are well busy
- colouring and other activities for children