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.
Shifting to this self-management 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 Whānau pack below.
- Know what you need to do if you feel unwell, test positive and need to isolate.
- If you’re experiencing any 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, contact tracing app.
- Vaccination is still your best protection against COVID-19. You can book online at or go to a walk-in clinic near you.
- If you’re eligible to get the booster, 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:
Get Ready – Whanau Pack Resource
Te Waharoa whānau pack has been put together to capture everything you need to safely navigate your whānau through a community COVID-19 outbreak.
Download your copy of Te Waharoa whānau pack and start planning today.
Whānau Plan
Taking some small steps now can make a big difference if someone in your whānau test positive for COVID-19.
Work together through the following tasks or download a copy for your whare.
Talk about it – Korero
- 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
Tuhinga – Write
- The names and contact numbers of the most vulnerable people in your whanau 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
Mahia – 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 water, what else is essential for your whānau?
- Contact your doctor to restock prescription medicines
- Get vaccinated
Safe space
The golden rules are more important now than ever. Following these rules gives the best protection possible.
- Wear a mask
- Use the COVID Tracer App
- Wash, dry and sanitise your hands
- Keep a social distance
- Open windows to ventilate your whare and any other spaces
- Clean and sanitise high-touch surfaces
Vaccines are still 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 at home
- Call 0800 358 5453 and follow Healthline advice
- Get tested and stay at home until you get a negative result
- Notify neighbours, friends and whānau so they do not visit
Are you experiencing any symptoms?
Additional resources
- Is your household ready if someone gets COVID-19?
- Support if you get COVID-19
- Your Emergency Contact List
- Our whare is isolating sign
- Help while you’re self-isolating
- What kind of contact are you?
- Updated guide to self-isolation
