Covid 19: Knowing more about “self-isolation”

Self-isolation, experts believe, is one of the most potent measures of reducing the potential spread and the successful containment of the novel Coronavirus in New Zealand.

Many experts believe that New Zealand is set for a long, drawn-out battle with the virus as different waves of the pandemic hit separate countries at different times, although currently, the country is under the pandemic stage where it is striving to keep the virus out and stamp it out.

The government has recently announced a total self-isolation for all travellers arriving New Zealand after 1 am Monday, March 16 (barring visitors from Pacific Islands).

Here is more info on self-isolation

What does staying at home mean?

• Staying home is a precautionary measure to protect those around you – your family, friends, colleagues - from possibly contracting COVID-19. Self-isolation is an effective measure of prevention.
• As much as possible, you should limit your contact with people other than the family members/companions you travelled with.
• You should avoid having visitors to your home, but it is okay for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food and supplies. 
• If you are in a home where the others who live with you haven’t travelled you should minimise close contact with them by avoiding situations where you have face-to-face contact closer than 2 metres for more than 15 minutes. 
• The other household residents do not need to self-isolate provided these precautions are followed.
• You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, pillows or other items with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water, place them in the dishwasher for cleaning or wash them in your washing machine.
• Contact Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453 if you begin to feel unwell. The symptoms of COVID-19 are cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

For all non-health related questions, call 0800 Government (0800 779 997).

Things you can do to make it easier

Staying at home may present its own challenges, but there are things you can do to make the 14 days easier.

• before you return to New Zealand, you need to plan ahead and think about what you need to be able to stay at home for the full 14 days
• talk to your employer, friends and family to ask for their help to access the things you will need in advance
• talk to your employer to see if you can work from home during this time
• think about and plan how you can get access to food and other supplies such as medications
• if you need supplies while you are staying at home, ask friends or family to drop off anything you need or you can order supplies online. Make sure any deliveries are left outside your home for you to collect. Many New Zealand companies are now offering a ‘contactless’ delivery option, where they notify you when they have delivered your order but remain nearby to ensure you receive it
• you can keep in touch with friends and family over the phone, through or other means of contact
• physical exercise is good for your wellbeing. Look for online classes or courses to help you take light exercise in your home
• you can go outside, but you need to limit your contact with others
• don’t use public transport, taxis or similar transport methods during your 14 day period. You can only use public transport after you arrive in New Zealand for the sole purpose of returning to your home, but cannot use it after that. You can use your own transport means (car, bike etc) whenever you wish
• you can live with others during your 14 days, but you need to avoid close contact with them. This also means don’t share beds, linen or food
• aim to stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be opened. Try to keep the window open as much as possible to enable ventilation and airflow as this will help to keep clean air moving through your room

Wash your hands often

• Cleaning your hands frequently throughout the day by washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser will help protect you and the people you live with.
• This step is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of infection to you and to other people. If you live with others, they should also wash their hands regularly as a precaution.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or you can cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in a lined trash can, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds making sure you dry them thoroughly.
• You can also use hand sanitiser.
• If you have a carer, they should use disposable tissues to wipe away any mucus or phlegm after you have sneezed or coughed. The cleaner should then clean their hands.