We are in this together... which is why we have set up BOP Health COVID-19.

Current status

Updated as at 1.30PM 03/06/2020

Number of confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in:

• New Zealand: 1504 (1481 have recovered)
• Bay of Plenty: 47 (47 have recovered)
• Lakes: 16 (16 have recovered)

These confirmed and probable numbers are updated on this page after the Ministry of Health daily public update (early-mid afternoon). See the Ministry of Health website for more information on COVID-19 cases in New Zealand.

Number of confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in:

• Western Bay of Plenty^*: 46
• Eastern Bay of Plenty^*: 1
• Rotorua: 10
• Taupō: 6

These numbers are updated on this page after the Ministry of Health daily public update (early-mid afternoon).

* Western Bay of Plenty = Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District combined
* Eastern Bay of Plenty = Whakatāne District, Kawerau District and Opotiki District combined

Locations of cases of Covid19 reported in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes DHB areas

The Ministry is reporting by DHB area – Bay of Plenty and Lakes – map here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-current-situation/covid-19-current-cases

The way the BOPDHB breaks down its district is:

Western Bay of Plenty = Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District combined

Eastern Bay of Plenty = Whakatāne District, Kawerau District and Opotiki District combined

The way Lakes breaks down its district is:

Southern Lakes DHB area – Taupo District Council

Rest of Lakes DHB area – Rotorua Lakes Council

The DHBs are only able to report on numbers of cases within each of these geographic zones.

There are drive-through Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) and testing stations in the BOP and Lakes districts.

CBACs have been set up to allow medical centres, general practices (GPs) and our hospitals to continue providing health services to the public without the threat of COVID-19 transmission.

Here is what to expect once you arrive at an assessment station.

Please note, if you have mild symptoms, it is safe to wait over the weekend and phone to arrange testing on Monday. 

Western Bay of Plenty

From Monday 25 May, Bay of Plenty residents with symptoms of COVID-19 will be able to go to their doctor (local GP) for assessment and swabbing where needed.  All consultations with general practice for suspected COVID-19 are free.  If you do not have a GP, please phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice.  

Tauranga Community Based Assessment Centre (CBAC) has now closed.

Accident and Health Care, 19 Second Avenue, Tauranga (07 577 0010) are open from 8am to 9pm every day and are able to do assessments for people with suspected COVID-19, free of charge.

Katikati CBAC has now closed.

Whakatāne CBAC has now closed.

One day pop-up clinics and assessment centres

Pahi Tahi will be operating until 8^th June.  Locations are available from iwi radio and on iwi websites.

Eastern Bay of Plenty

From Monday 25 May, Bay of Plenty residents with symptoms of COVID-19 will be able to go to their doctor (local GP) for assessment and swabbing where needed.  All consultations with general practice for suspected COVID-19 are free.  If you do not have a GP, please phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice.  

One day pop-up clinics and assessment centres

For a complete list of the latest confirmed pop-up clinics and assessment centre opening hours in the Eastern Bay, please visit www.tpoom.co.nz

Rotorua and Taupō districts

For residents of Rotorua and Taupō districts, if you have symptoms and think you need to be tested, please phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453. Wait for advice for where and when to go for your assessment and follow all instructions. For more details, visit www.lakesdhb.govt.nz

What are the options for patients requiring COVID-19 testing who cannot access a Community Based Assessment Centre (CBAC) independently?

Patients who are symptomatic (cough; shortness of breath; sore throat; runny nose) should contact their GP or Healthline in the first instance.

If transport to an assessment centre is identified as a challenge your healthcare provider will discuss your options with you, including referring your case to see if home-based testing is the most appropriate option.

What is the difference between a testing/swabbing station and a CBAC?

A testing/swabbing station is a place you are referred to by a GP or medical practitioner.

A CBAC is where you would go if you were feeling unwell and exhibiting symptoms that are of concern eg:

• if you have acute respiratory illness
• if you have flu-like illness/infection with no other plausible cause for the symptoms than COVID-19
  
  

What is the process at a Community Based Assessment Centre?

Should all patients with flu-like symptoms be tested for COVID-19?

No. Patients need to meet the current case definition to be swabbed/tested. Patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 should be managed with appropriate PPE and infection control measures whether they are tested or not. All patients with suspected COVID-19 will be swabbed.

People should call Healthline in the first instance and they will advise.

What if I have symptoms of COVID-19 but I test negative?

If you have returned from overseas or had close contact with someone with the virus, you will still need to stay in isolation for the full 14-day isolation period, even if your test comes back negative.

If you are still unwell after the 14 days, you will need to stay in isolation until you have been symptom free for at least 24 hours.

If your symptoms become worse in this time, you should call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice. If you are having trouble breathing, call 111 and tell them if you have travelled or been in contact with someone with COVID-19.

If you have not been overseas or in contact with anyone with the virus, you should still stay away from others and public places until you have been symptom free for at least 24 hours, to help ensure other infectious illnesses are not being spread at this time.

Please ensure you follow instructions in relation to national alert levels at all times. If New Zealand is in alert level 4, you will need to stay home regardless of your symptoms or test results, unless you require urgent medical care.

I’ve been told I am a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 – what does this mean?

A ‘close contact’ is a person who has had one of the following contacts with a suspect, confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 during their infectious period, without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE):

• Direct contact with the body fluids or the laboratory specimens of a case
• Presence in the same room in a health care setting when an aerosol-generating procedure is undertaken on a case
• Living in the same household or household-like setting (e.g. shared section of a hostel) with a case
• Face-to-face contact in any setting within two metres of a case for 15 minutes or more
• Having been in a closed environment (e.g. a classroom, hospital waiting room, or conveyance other than aircraft) within 2 metres of a case for 15 minutes or more
• Having been seated on an aircraft within 2 metres of a case (for economy class this would mean 2 seats in any direction including seats across the aisle, other classes would require further assessment)
• Aircraft crew exposed to a case (a risk assessment conducted by the airline is required to identify which crew should be managed as close contacts).

If you are a close contact of a confirmed case you must stay home in self-isolation. It is important that you monitor your health carefully for the 14 days following your last day of exposure so that any early symptoms can be detected. If you develop any symptoms, phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice. If you have difficulty breathing, call 111. In either case, tell them that you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.

I’ve been told I’m a casual contact of a case – what should I do?

You are unlikely to get infected just from having been in the same location as the person with the virus, for example in the same lecture theatre, gym or church. You are considered to be at low risk of catching the virus and do not need to go into isolation because of this possible exposure (however, staying home is nevertheless required if the current national alert is at Level 4).

There is a small possibility that you may become unwell. Monitor your health closely until 14 days has passed from the time you were exposed. If you develop symptoms that may be COVID-19 (such as a fever or a cough) phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453. If you have difficulty breathing, call 111. In either case, tell them that you are a casual contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.

I’m not unwell but have been exposed. How can I protect my family and others at home?

• Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, or cough or sneeze into your elbow. Please place tissues in the rubbish bin and wash your hands thoroughly.
• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. Then dry them thoroughly. Use hand sanitiser if no soap or water is available.
• Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, toothbrushes or bedding with other people in your home. After use, these items should be washed thoroughly with detergent and water. Please clean computer keyboards, desks and other surfaces regularly, especially before others use them.
• Maintain your distance (keep two metres or more away) from other people whenever possible.
• If you have been advised to stay in isolation, or it is required by national alert levels, stay in your home or accommodation, unless you are getting urgent medical care.
  
  

I have had COVID-19 but am now feeling better. When can I come out of self-isolation?

You must stay at home (self-isolate) until advised by a health professional that you can come out of self-isolation AND the following criteria must be met:

• It is more than 10 days after the start of your symptoms (or if you were hospitalised it is more than 10 days since your discharge from hospital) AND
• You have been free from all symptoms for at least 48 hours.

Once you have come out of isolation it is important to maintain good hygiene and handwashing practices. Even once you have recovered from COVID-19, you will be required to follow the current national guidance relating to alert levels, staying home and contact with others.

I have symptoms of respiratory illness – should I go to work?

No, you should not work in a public setting if you are unwell. In this situation, you should stand down from work and self-isolate. Stay away from work until you have been symptom free for at least 24 hours. If necessary, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your family doctor for advice.

All workplaces should be practicing physical distancing as a standard, wherever possible, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious illnesses at this time.

The Golden Rules for everyone

Do everything you can to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

1. COVID-19 is still out there. Play it safe.
2. Keep your distance from other people in public.
3. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to work or school. Don’t socialise.
4. If you have symptoms of cold or flu, call your doctor or Healthline and get tested.
5. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.
6. Sneeze and cough into your elbow, regularly disinfect surfaces.
7. If you have been told to self-isolate, you must do so immediately.
8. Keep a track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen.
   
   

Golden Rules for businesses

Do everything you can to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at work – we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe. 

1. COVID-19 is still out there. Play it safe.
2. All businesses can operate if they can do so safely. Alternative ways of working are encouraged where possible.
3. Hospitality business should keep customers seated, separated, and with a single server.
4. Talk with your workers to identify risks and ways to manage them.
5. Ask everyone – workers, contractors and customers – with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay away from your premises.
6. Keep groups of customers at least 1 metre apart
7. Keep contact-tracing records of anyone who will have close interaction (workers, contractors or customers).
8. Reduce the number of shared surfaces, and regularly disinfect them.
9. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.
   

Alert Level 2 information

Bay of Plenty DHB

In the emergency department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU) and Acute Care Unit (ACU) the general principle is for one visitor per patient and one visit per day.

In other hospital areas, it's still one visitor at a time but more than one person is able to visit during the day. Each visitor can only visit once per day.

Other visitor information:

• one support person for a woman in labour and birth – this same person may visit once daily and stay as long as the woman wants (no overnight stays will be permitted unless the woman is in labour and for early post-natal support)
• for postnatal and antenatal patients - one nominated support person plus one other nominated visitor (this must be the same person each day and not visiting at the same time as the support person)
• SCBU - mother plus one nominated support person per day. The nominated support person must be the same person each day and cannot visit the unit at the same time as the mother.

Visiting hours are from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Lakes DHB

Visitors allowed are:

• one support person with a woman in labour
• one parent/guardian with a child under 16 years, in Emergency Department/Children’s Unit/Special Care Baby Unit
• two visitors with a patient receiving end-of-life care
• one consistent visitor/support person with patients in ALL other areas of the hospital (11am-1pm and 4-6pm)

No visitors are allowed for:

• a suspect or positive COVID-19 patient

COVID-19, like the flu, can be spread from person to person. When a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or talks, they may spread droplets containing the virus a short distance, which quickly settle on surrounding surfaces.

As well as following basic hygiene measures, you can further protect yourself by reminding customers to physically distance themselves. You might like to use gloves. If you do, still follow basic hygiene – wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you remove your gloves.

Face masks aren’t necessary outside of a health setting. If staff have a face mask and choose to wear one they shouldn’t be prevented from doing so.

When a face mask is removed:

• avoid touching the front of it
• if the mask has ties, untie the bottom first, then the top tie
• discard the mask, don’t use it again
• wash hands with soap and water and dry hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser immediately after removing the mask.

PPE requirements for essential non-health workers (PDF, 181 KB) 

Up to 50 people can attend funerals and tangihanga at Alert Level 2.

Funeral directors can register with the Ministry of Health to allow up to 50 people to attend a funeral or tangihanga. The Ministry of Health must be satisfied that a range of public health measures can consistently be met.

These public health measures include:

• maintaining physical distance 
• facilities for hand hygiene
• no food or drink congregations afterwards

Ministry of Health guidance deaths, funerals and tangihanga

Free flu jabs are available now for priority groups that are most at risk of serious health complications from influenza as well as other frontline workers as follows:

• Pregnant women.
• People aged 65 plus.
• People aged under 65 years with diabetes, most heart or lung conditions and some other illnesses, see the table below for more details.
• Children aged 4 years or under who have had a stay in hospital for measles, asthma or other breathing problems.
• Healthcare and other frontline workers, which includes emergency services, social services, police, defence, and border control but not supermarket workers.

To look after our community and make sure our health system is there for those who need it most, it’s important that these people are immunised first before the vaccine is available to the wider public. For more information, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist, or call 0800 466 863.

Phone support

Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 Operating 24/7

Tautoko Mai Sexual Assault Support Services 0800 227 233

BOPDHB Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line 0800 800 508

Elder Abuse Helpline 0800 32 66 865

Family Violence Information 0800 456 450 (its ok to ask for help)

Healthline 0800 611 116

Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

National Mental Health & Addiction Helpline Text or call 1737

Tauranga Women’s Refuge 0800 86 733 843

Victim Support 0800 842 846

NZ Police 111 or 105

Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234

Samaritans 0800 726 666

Whakatāne and eastern BOP

Te Puna Ora’s local information line 0800 628 228 and press 9 for the dedicated COVID-19 local support line.

Family violence services

Tauranga Women’s Refuge

• The office is closed and they are not taking donated clothing, household furniture and perishable food
• Safe House will remain open.
• The 24/7 DV helpline is still available – 0800 86 733 843.
• Women’s Refuge staff will work with whanau using phone, mobile, social media or text where this can be done and if absolutely necessary, in person
• Refuge has a call to action that we all do our part to protect whakapapa and whanau in these unprecedented time
• https://www.facebook.com/TaurangaWomensRefuge/ (Facebook page also available for support)

Shakti

• All offices and op shops closed
• Refuge and Crisis line remains open - 0800 742 583 (0800 SHAKTI) crisis line across New Zealand
  shaktiinternational.org
• Shakti Facebook page also available for support

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ranginui Iwi

• Staff will continue to coordinate and liaise virtually, via phone and email.
• Phone lines remain open - 777 0410 this will take you to a voice mail, please have patience, it will read out every service; dial the option you require.
• Website ranginui.co.nz for more information
• Ngati Ranginui Facebook page also available for support.

Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support - formerly Bopsass

• Office and clinic are closed. Staff are available for clients and key stakeholders by phone and internet.
• Crisis and Support line remains open 0800 227 233 or 07 577 0512
• https://tautokomai.co.nz/
• Tautoko Mai Facebook page also available for support.

Tauranga Living without Violence

• Offices are closed, staff available by phone or internet.
• Phone 0800 577 003 or 07 577 9297
• Tauranga Living without Violence Facebook page also available for support.

Family Works

• Office all closed, staff are working remotely and available for existing clients and new clients via phone.
• Please call Service Manager Nicola Ssekajja in the first instance on 021 673 725 and your need will be allocated from there.
• https://www.familyworksnorthern.org.nz/
• Family Works Northern Facebook page also available for information.

Restorative Justice

• Office closed – available by phone only – Freephone 0508 273 786 or 07 579 9596

What services are available for mental wellbeing?

If you feel you aren’t coping it’s important to seek help. Either by calling your GP or the following helplines.

In a crisis?

Tauranga 0800 800 508

Whakatāne 0800 77 4545

Rotorua 0800 166 167

For everyone it’s normal and human to feel anxious right now. Even if you are not sick you may be feeling anxious about COVID-19 and that is normal. There are great tips about taking care of yourself here

Anxiety phone line – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)

1737 need to Talk?

For support with anxiety, distress or mental wellbeing, you can call or text 1737 – free, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - to talk it through with a trained counsellor.

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Helplines for children and young people

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat

thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626

What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 12noon–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available from 3pm–10pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.

Phone support

Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797Operating 24/7

Tautoko Mai Sexual Assault Support Services 0800 227 233

BOPDHB Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line 0800 800 508

Elder Abuse Helpline 0800 32 66 865

Family Violence Information 0800 456 450 (its ok to ask for help)

Healthline 0800 611 116

Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

National Mental Health & Addiction Helpline Text or call 1737

Tauranga Women’s Refuge 0800 86 733 843

Victim Support 0800 842 846

NZ Police 111 or 105

Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234

Samaritans 0800 726 666

Rotorua Homeless Covid19 Support Line

Phone: 0800 2 WHARE

Email koreromai@housingfirstrotorua.org.nz

Advice on staying at home from the New Zealand Government:

https://covid19.govt.nz/help-and-advice/for-everyone/staying-at-home/

Salvation Army Rotorua 07 3468077

Salvation Army Taupo 07 3784142

Whakatane and eastern BOP

Te Puna Ora’s local information line 0800 628 228 and press 9 for the dedicated COVID-19 local support line.

Lakes DHB

Rotorua Homeless Covid19 Support Line

Phone: 0800 2 WHARE
Email koreromai@housingfirstrotorua.org.nz

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management has launched an 0800 number helping Bay of Plenty households meet essential needs during the national rāhui period. This is still operating under Level 2.

The number is 0800 884 222
The call centre will be open from 7am – 7pm, 7 days a week.

This 0800 number aims to ensure that household basic needs continue to be met during the national lockdown.

People in the call centre will carry out a needs assessment for each household’s basic needs - food, groceries, heating or other household goods and services.

The centre will also be able to provide advice to callers about other government support agencies when appropriate or they may be able to assist directly.

What food and social support services are available?

Good Neighbour

• Still doing food rescue, some food is going directly to Food Bank, Salvation Army and St Vinnies
• Looking at delivering meals. Meals can be chilled and used for a week, or frozen for distribution

Kai Aroha

Kai Aroha will provide three meals on Fridays. Take-away meals only, must adhere to 2m distancing rule and take kai away with you. One meal per person

• Papamoa – Gordon Spratt Reserve (Sport & Rec Centre): 6-6:30pm
• Greerton Hall Driveway: 6:30-7pm
• Willow Street Bus Stop: 7:15-7:45pm

Street Kai

Milo Night at Willow street bus stop will continue on Mondays from 5pm.Meals will be by take-away only. Tables will be distanced around carpark. Where possible names will be recorded.

Contact details: milonights@yahoo.com, or 022 126 5618

Tauranga Foodbank

• Remaining open and still taking referrals.
• Now providing a delivery service, rather than pick up.

Under the Stars

• Community meal will continue, Thursday lunch and Saturday dinner
• Take-away meals only, and limiting the number in the hall to 10 people at a time.
• Where possible collecting names and contact details.
• Phone contact: 027 555 2872
• Email contact: laura@underthestars.org.nz

Pacific Island Community Tauranga Trust (PICTT)

• Staff are working remotely providing all of usual services over the phone or email.
• Staff have delivered COVID-19 support packages for Pacific families who meet the criteria, and also working through a plan with DHB regarding the possibility of administering the flu vaccinations and immunisations for tamaiti/tamariki, and pregnant mothers.
• Phone: 07 577-1270 option 0
• Email: pictt_tga@pacificislndtrust.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PICTT/

Migrant Connect – Citizen’s Advice Bureau

• Face to face service has closed until further notice
• Will be available online (through chat, email) and phone: 0800 367 222.
• Email: tauranga@cab.org.nz
• Online chat: cab.org.nz

Multicultural Tauranga

• Email: manager@trmc.co.nz or call 07 5716419
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaurangaRegionalMulticulturalCouncil/

Bay of Plenty Interpreting Service (BOPIS)

• Operating from home, service available as normal.
• Emails are cleared Monday to Thursday 10.00 to 14.00. Email: BOPIS@trmc.co.nz
• For urgent enquires contact Emmanuelle Heatley on 022 0433525.

English Language Partners

• All English Language Partners NZ offices are closed.
• Staff are working from home, and all class teachers and home tutors will be teaching online.
• Email: philippa.cairns@englishlanguage.org.nz Phone: 07 571 4181
• Website: englishlanguage.org.nz/tauranga

Immigration New Zealand

• All offices are closed to the public, staff are responding to clients online or by phone.
• Full information on INZ update affecting people currently on temporary visas, including students, visitors and temporary workerst: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/coronavirus-update-inz-response.
• All current Immigration NZ information relating to the impact of Covid-19 is available at: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19.
• Website: immigration.govt.nz
• Contact centre number: 0508 558 855
• Regional contact: Brendon Gardner: gardner@mbie.govt.nz

Shakti

• Refuge and Crisis line remains open - 0800 742 583 (0800 SHAKTI) crisis line across New Zealand
  shaktiinternational.org
• Shakti Facebook page also available for support

Bay Of Plenty

Child (Teen) Dental care – 0800 TALKTEETH (0800 825 583)

Alternative contact Te Manu Toroa Mon/Friday by appointment – Tauranga 027 803 2038

Adolescent and Adult Dental care – contact your private dentist

Low Income Adult Emergency Dental – 0800 335 011(8.30 to 5.00pm daily, weekends and Public Holidays) for Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Lakes

Phone 0800 Lakes Teeth (0800 525 378)Lakes DHB Community Oral Health Service 8.00am to 4.00pm