Protecting Families - Positively Pacific

How to Protect your Family

How to Prepare your home for Self-isolation if someone gets Covid

- If COVID spreads to the community, do you have a plan to cope?

- Here are a few things you can do now to get your household prepared.

Omicron preparedness content that the Ministry of Pacific People has released last week in the nine languages and in English.

https://www.mpp.govt.nz/covid-19/covid-19-resources/

What you should do if you contract Covid-19 this summer

Self-Isolate at home or appropriate accommodation. Do not go to work, go shopping, have visitors or visit public spaces. By doing this, you minimise the risk of potentially spreading the virus, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Be co-operative. Give the health professionals as much information as you can about the places you have visited, the people you have seen and your symptoms.

Stay connected – Talk to friends and family via the telephone, email or video calling. You should be contacted every 24-48 hours by a health provider to discuss your well-being, however if you symptoms worsen or become of concern, please don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance.

If you need food, medical supplies or forms of entertainment, ask friends and family to help out by delivering to your doorstep while maintaining a 2 metre distance at all times.

Community preparedness for Covid-19

Covid-19 is a virus that is easily transmittable within communities so you need to be prepared incase you or your family are affected. Create a Plan that can be implemented as soon as you are aware that you or your family member may have been exposed to the virus. Include things such as:

Who to contact – Friends, family, employers and health professionals that can help support and guide you through the process and let them know of your plan.
Extra support – arrange childcare, caregivers for the elderly or infirm and discuss what should happen should you need to access their services
Create ways to minimise the potential spread such as contactless delivery of supplies such as food, medications and entertainment
Have activities that can curb boredom such as games, puzzles, books, crafts, baking and gardening supplies.
Have this plan written out and easily accessible to health professionals and family members should you need someone to speak or act on your behalf, including medications you are taking.

Protect your Family

As our children prepare to go back to school it is important to keep our guard up against the spread of the Covid virus. It hasn’t been easy and still needs us all to be careful and keep following the basic steps. These basic steps are:

Maintain good hygiene habits – Washing and drying your hands, using hand-sanitiser
Maintain social distancing especially in crowed spaces and places
Use the NZ Covid Tracer App or keep a record of where you have been
Wear a mask or face covering in planes when flying

Look after yourself and your whānau the whole year round by following these basic steps.

If you feel unwell

Covid signs to watch out for include:- a new or worsening cough, a fever of at least 38°C, shortness of breath, a sore throat, sneezing and runny nose, temporary loss of smell.

If you have any these symptoms please contact your doctor, or call Healthline 0800 358 5453 or your iwi or Pacific health provider.

Stay home
As hard as it may be, Do not travel or take part in events, group celebrations or group activities such as Kilikiti, Touch and Volleyball tournaments, and family reunions if you are unwell
Free Covid testing services are available. If you have Covid symptoms call the Covid Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453

Other health concerns to be aware of and careful about

The main purpose of Positively Pacific is to provide information to improve the health and well-being of Pacific peoples, their families and their communities.

While we are all fighting the Corona virus we still must address all the usual illnesses and health challenges. Practical information on how to address some of these health challenges can be found by clicking on the links listed below:

Food Safety in the home

Over the summer period there is usually an increase in rates of gastroenteritis, upset stomachs related to food poisoning or poor hygiene when handling food. This can be avoided by good hygiene when handling food. Visit this website for simple food safety tips:

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/tips-for-food-safety-at-home/introduction-food-safety-home/

Water Safety:

In 2019, 27 people drowned. 5 were Pacific people. Another 52 people almost drowned and were taken to hospital after they were rescued. 12 were Pacific people. Keep yourself and your family safe at the beach.

This link will take you to the Water Safety New Zealand website and the safety tips page for swimming at the beach: https://watersafety.org.nz/Community-Resources/How%20to%20be%20Beach%20Water%20Safe

Be Safe, be Sun-Smart :

New Zealand sunlight can have high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can cause skin and eye damage. You can protect yourself and your children by being SunSmart. Learn how to keep safe while still living life in the sun. https://www.sunsmart.org.nz/

Drive Safely:

Last year for 2018/2019 Christmas / New year period there were 9 deaths on our roads for this period. 9 deaths too many. Because of Covid more people driving on holiday in New Zealand. Make sure you drive to the conditions and drive safely. Here are five safe driving tips to remember: https://www.drivesafe.org.nz/home/on-the-road/