28 October 2020

Covid-19 Update

Staying safe at Alert Level 1

New Zealand is at Alert Level 1, but we must remain vigilant to the risk of the virus re-emerging.

    
There is an ongoing risk that further community cases will emerge, and the risk of Covid-19 spreading in the community is much greater in lower alert levels when there are no restrictions on gatherings or going out.  

 
So, please remember to stay alert and all play our part.

Keep track of where you have been 

Use the NZ COVID Tracer app to scan QR Codes wherever you go. If app usage is low, our contact tracers might not get a head-start on breaking any chain of transmission, which means the virus will have more time to spread. 

The more we scan, the safer we’ll be.

If you can't use the app, use whatever method works for you to keep track of your movements, like the NZ COVID Tracer booklet. Encourage your family, whānau and friends to do the same.

Any future cases need to be quickly identified, and their contacts isolated and tested, to avoid the virus spreading unimpeded in our communities.  

Most importantly - if you are unwell, stay home, and seek advice on getting a test.  
   

Current Alert Level - Unite Against Covid website 

Hospital testing hours

Please note that the COVID testing centre at Whanganui Hospital is closed at weekends. It is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3.30pm.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and need a test, and the hospital testing centre is closed, you can present to Whanganui Accident & Medical (WAM) at the hospital between the hours of 8am and 9pm. There is no cost to get the test done.

Alternatively, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

Practice good hygiene

Wash your hands with soap. Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Clean surfaces.

It s important to wear face coverings when we can’t maintain good physical distancing in crowded indoor spaces. We strongly encourage everyone to continue to use a face mask on public transport and flights.
 

Stay home if you are sick

If you have cold or flu symptoms, we recommend you stay home and call your GP or Healthline. 

Unite Against Covid website 

Whanganui Hospital and primary health services are operating as normal but we encourage visitors to maintain high hygiene standards. Please: 

• do not visit the hospital if you are unwell with flu-like symptoms
• keep each other safe. Look after your own health and look after our health worker and patients by avoiding overcrowding and ensuring that we can maintain an appropriate distance from each other, in the hospital setting
• wash your hands and use hand sanitiser regularly
• keep a record of where you have been
• use the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Tracer app   

There are no physical distancing requirements at Alert Level 1, but the more space there is between you and others, the harder it is for Covid-19 and other viruses (for example, the common cold or influenza) to spread.

Visitors are important for patients’ recovery, but so is rest, so a balance is important. It will sometimes be necessary for staff to limit visitor numbers to keep everyone safe. 

Whanganui Hospital visiting hours are from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.