Get ready

Kia Hiwa Ra. Kia Hiwa Ra.

Kua tau mai te hoariri ki te Paepae poto a Houmaitawhiti e!

COVID-19 isn’t going away, but the way that Aotearoa New Zealand is responding to it has changed. With Omicron we are now focusing on minimising and slowing the spread, and in most cases, people will be able to self-manage their way through it.

This year, it’s also more important than ever to get vaccinated against the flu. With our borders open again, the risk of being exposed to new types of the flu virus is high.

For most people, they should be able to self-manage flu and COVID symptoms at home. This approach means health and welfare support can be focused on the people who need it the most.

If you haven’t done so already, prepare yourself and your whānau and take the necessary precautions to support yourself and your whānau through it.

• You can access helpful resources such as the Get Ready Checklist and Kete Whānau pack below.

• Know what you need to do if you feel unwell, test positive and need to isolate.

• If you’re experiencing any COVID symptoms, get tested & isolate while you wait for your results.
• Continue using hygiene and safety preventative measures i.e. wash your hands, wear a mask in public spaces and venues, 2m social distancing.

• Vaccination is  still your best protection against COVID-19 and the flu. Learn more about these vaccines here. You can book online at or go to a walk-in clinic near you.

We can do this if we do it together.

Check out all the latest information about testing, isolating and support:

Mē takatū / Get ready – Kete Whānau Resource

Kia hohoro! Kia mataara! Me takatū kia whakatere haumaru ai tō whānau i ngā wā wero ō te mate kaurauna. 

Download your copy of Kete Whānau to safely navigate your whānau through COVID-19 in our community.

He waka eke noa – We’re all in this together.

Whānau Plan

Download the whānau plan check-list, or work together through the following tasks.

Kōrero:

• About COVID-19 and what will happen if someone in your whare tests positive
• Explain the importance of keeping a safe distance if this happens

Write down:

• The names and contact numbers of the most vulnerable people in your whānau and who will regularly check in with them
• How you will notify whānau, friends and neighbours if someone gets COVID-19
• Essential household tasks and details so anyone can do them. Things like paying bills, doing the shopping, caring for tamariki or taking care of pets

To do:

• Prepare an isolation space in your whare. This means a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible
• Shop for kai and hygiene products. Other than kai and wai, what else is essential for your whanau?
• Contact your doctor to restock your prescription medicines now
• Get vaccinated

Safe space

The golden rules are more important now than ever. Following all these rules gives the best protection possible.

• Wear a mask
• Use the COVID Tracer App
• Wash, dry and sanitise your hands
• Social distance
• Open windows to ventilate your whare
• Clean and sanitise high-touch surfaces

Vaccines are our best defence against getting seriously māuiui from COVID-19. Get yours now.

Feeling unwell?

Don’t hesitate if you think you might have COVID-19. 

The faster we act, the greater our chance of stopping its spread. 

• Immediately self-isolate in your whare
• Call 0800 358 5453 and follow advice 
• Get tested 
• Notify neighbours, friends and whānau so they do not visit

Are you experiencing any symptoms?

Resources

Signage: Our whare is isolating

Your Emergency contact list

Help while you’re self-isolating

What type of contact are you?

Updated guide to self-isolation