Be prepared. Make a COVID-19 plan.

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Last updated 24 February 2022

 

With omicron cases now in the community, it’s much more likely that you and your whānau will be exposed to the virus. This is what to expect:

  • Most people who catch COVID-19 will be able to isolate, and recover fully, in their own home.
  • If you or someone you live with gets COVID-19 you will need to isolate in your home, away from your family and friends. Everyone in your household will also need to stay at home, even if they have been vaccinated. Go to covid.govt.nz to find out how long you need to self-isolate. 
  • If you have to isolate you will not be able to go out and get things like food or medication, attend appointments or visit friends or family.
  • The healthcare system will always be available for those who need it. 
  • If you let the public health team know you have a disability, our disability team will work with them and you to make sure you have what you need
  • If at any time you or your family are feeling very unwell, having trouble breathing or are concerned for your safety, call 111.

What you can do now to prepare

It’s important that you start preparing now, so that it will be safer and less stressful if you have to isolate. Make plans with your whānau or household now about what you will do if someone gets sick, including who you can call for help. Talk to the people you live with about:

  • What you would do if one of you catches COVID-19 and needs to isolate.
  • How you will care for each other if one of you gets sick.
  • How you can isolate from each other at home if one of you gets sick.
  • Make a list of important contact numbers, medical information and household instructions and keep them on the fridge or somewhere else easy to find.
  • If you have support workers: Now would be the time to discuss any plans with them. How will it work if you test positive or if one of your support workers test positive? Do you have people that can fill in, should your ordinary supports become unwell or must isolate? Have a chat with your host or provider if you need help in formulating a plan.

Here's a COVID readiness checklist.

If you have support workers, here is the guidance being used by healthcare workers who are COVID-19 cases or contacts during an Omicron outbreak. 

Write a list of important contacts

Make a list of important people to contact for help if you or someone in your house gets COVID-19. Think about friends, family, neighbours, or support workers who could deliver food or supplies to you at home, walk your dog, or just be around to chat.

Use these questions to help your thinking:

  • Who can you ask for help or support?
  • Who will look after your children, pets, or other people you usually care for?
  • Who can you call if you need to talk or have some company?
  • Who else will you need to contact?
    • Doctor
    • Pharmacy
    • Work
    • School
    • Vet/kennels
    • Disability providers or organisations
    • Carers or support workers
    • Other important people

Some useful contact details:

Food delivery

Medicine delivery

 

Medical and access information

Write down anything that health, medical or ambulance staff will need to know if they are treating you. Use these questions to help your thinking:

  • What do ambulance or medical staff need to know immediately to keep you safe?
  • If you need to go to hospital or an isolation facility, what do you need to bring with you? E.g. hearing aids, glasses, wheelchair or mobility aid, batteries, communication device
  • Do you have any health conditions or disabilities ambulance or medical staff need to know about?
  • Are you allergic to any medication? Do you have any other allergies?
  • What medication do you usually take?
  • What do ambulance or medical staff need to know or do to communicate with you?
  • Do you need a NZSL Interpreter?
  • Do you need equipment or assistance to move around or find your way?
  • What do ambulance or medical staff need to know if they are lifting or moving you?
  • How do you usually make decisions about your healthcare?

You can write all this information on this household plan as well. Download it, fill it out and keep it somewhere easy to find like on the fridge or near the door. If you have a Health Passport or other important medical instructions, keep it with this information.

Put together a COVID-19 preparedness kit

You may want to buy some extra food, cleaning supplies and anything else you might need or want if you have to stay at home. This might include:

  • Medical supplies (masks, paracetamol, ibuprofen, throat lozenges, cold & flu, ice pack, thermometer)
  • Hygiene products (hand sanitiser, gloves, toilet paper, tampons or pads, nappies, tissues)
  • Cleaning (disinfectant, bleach)
  • If you can, add some extra food and supplies to your weekly shop
  • This shopping checklist (from Wellington agencies) is a good place to start

Here is a whānau home quarantine guide and info on how health check-ins will be done while you're self-isolating. 

Don’t worry – if you cannot stock up in advance you will be supported if you do get COVID-19. This includes food, medication and appropriate medical care.

Check out these key numbers to call if you have COVID. 

Remember an important part of being prepared is being up to date with your vaccinations. If you need support to get the vaccine, please give us a call on 0800 824 5872 or email tiaki@taikura.org.nz. We can also help you access home testing if needed.

For more information on being prepared, look at the NRHCC website for Aucklanders or visit covid19.org.nz website.

 

ENDS