In Alert Level 1 you should:
Last updated Wednesday 18 November 2020
At all Alert Levels remember to:
More info on Alert Level restrictions here
Symptoms include:
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19, and are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as colds and flu.
Don’t panic if you have some of these symptoms, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and get a test if recommended.
COVID-19 is known to cause breathing difficulties and coughing, which can be extremely dangerous to those who already have a hard time breathing due to a medical condition.
The people most at risk of severe health impacts from COVID-19 are those with uncontrolled or pre-existing respiratory conditions such as chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) and emphysema, and severe asthma that needs multiple medications and medical care.
You should work with your GP or specialist if you need help understanding your own level of risk and advice on how to stay healthy.
For Ministry of Health guidance for at-risk people find out more here.
People of all ages can be infected by COVID-19, but people who are over the age of 70, immunocompromised, or with underlying severe medical conditions, are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes from contracting the virus.
The Ministry of Health is strongly encouraging New Zealanders to wear a mask or face covering in COVID-19 Alert Levels 2 and above. As of 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020, face masks or face coverings are also now mandatory on all public transport in the Auckland region, and all passenger flights throughout New Zealand - find out more about this change here.
Visit our page for advice on face masks for those with respiratory disease here.
Depending on whether your condition is moderate or severe, you may fall into the high-risk category, and your GP will be able to advise what steps to take to protect yourself. For those deemed at-risk and also working in essential services, self-isolation may be required in some circumstances.
Advice to everyone is (including those with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or other respiratory conditions):
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has provided guidance for those with COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic:
For Ministry of Health guidance for at-risk people find out more here.
The flu vaccine does not protect you against COVID-19 but it will help to reduce demand on hospitals this winter and keep you protected from influenza.
From 18 March, people with chronic respiratory disease will be funded for a FREE seasonal flu vaccine. This includes:
• Those with asthma, if on regular preventer therapy.
• Those with chronic bronchitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, emphysema.
• Children aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.
• All people 65 years of age and over.
For information about eligibility criteria go to: www.influenza.org.nz/eligibili...
For more information on these guidelines, visit the Ministry of Health's dedicated COVID-19 website at covid19.govt.nz
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Page last updated: Wednesday 18 November 2020