Current status

Updated as at 2.00pm on 17/5/2021

Total cases across New Zealand since first case.

• New Zealand: 2651 cases (2607 have recovered)

See the Ministry of Health website for more information on COVID-19 cases in New Zealand.

If you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms;

• a new or worsening cough
• fever (at least 38˚C)
• shortness of breath
• a sore throat
• sneezing and runny nose
• temporary loss of smell.

Western Bay of Plenty

Please contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor who will advise whether you need to be tested.

Eastern Bay of Plenty

Whakatāne 

This is subject to change along with risk and alert levels. Before coming to get tested, please check this page for the latest times and dates.

52B King Street (Portacom outside Med Central, behind Adamson’s pharmacy, entry via James Street)

Monday:  3.30pm-6.30pm
Wednesday:  3.30pm-6.30pm
Saturday:  10am-4pm

Rotorua and Taupō

Rotorua:
Kahukura Rugby Sports Club, 1475 Pukuatua Street, Rotorua

Opening hours:
Tuesday: 9am-3pm
Thursday: 9am-3pm
Sunday: 9am-3pm

Taupo:
79 Miro Street, Taupō.

Opening hours:
Week beginning Monday 19 April
Monday:  9am-3pm
Wednesday: 9am-3pm
Friday: 9am-3pm

The following Q and As respond to a number of commonly-asked questions relating to implementation of the requirements at the Port of Tauranga under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Required Testing) Order 2020 and the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Maritime Border) Order (No 2) 2020.

Why is there testing at the Port of Tauranga?

We are currently testing those who work at the border, including those who work at ports and at Managed Isolation and Quarantine Facilities. This is part of the government’s rapid response to the current outbreak, to help detect any cases and to protect workers, their families, whānau and communities.

Is everyone required to be tested? 

Workers in certain higher-risk occupations at the Ports of Auckland, the Port of Tauranga and Auckland International Airport will be tested once every 14 days.

Who is considered high risk? 

Higher risk workers are:

• ​​Pilots and stevedores carrying out work on or around ships
• Anyone who has boarded a ship at Port of Tauranga or Ports of Auckland since 21 July (eg ships’ agents or welfare workers)
• Anyone else who has been at Port of Tauranga or Ports of Auckland who has symptoms.

We understand that a testing method that is less invasive than the current nasopharyngeal swab will shortly be available. Will it be available to border workers required to undergo frequent re-testing, and from when?

The Ministry of Health’s Technical Advisory Committee has confirmed that for border workers being regularly tested (weekly or fortnightly) who struggle to tolerate the current nasopharyngeal swab, a single swab used on both the oropharynx (throat) and anterior nasal passage is an acceptable alternative option.

The Ministry of Health is now working with testing providers to make the alternative swab option available to all border workers undergoing regular weekly or fortnightly testing. Our aim is to have this up and running before the end of October.

This alternate swab option is being made available as an option that can be requested by any border worker undergoing mandatory testing.

The nasopharyngeal swab remains the preferred option due to its higher effectiveness in detecting the virus. However, as border workers are undergoing testing at such high frequency (fortnightly and, in some cases, weekly), the greater frequency offsets the reduced effectiveness.

If a ship arrives in port with a New Zealand crew member who wishes to disembark to return home, do the rest of the crew need to be tested even if they are remaining on the ship which is immediately departing to sail for an overseas port?

Yes. The COVID-19 Public Health Response (Maritime Border) Order (No 2) 2020: (https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-response-planning/covid-19-epidemic-notice-and-orders#maritime) requires  that all crew on board the vessel need to meet the low risk indicators, including a negative COVID-19, before any person on board can disembark to enter the NZ community. Everyone on the ship must also have done 14 days of quarantine or isolation. This starts from the last contact or last port of call (whichever is later).

In the situation described above, in order for the returning NZ crew member to be authorised to disembark, the whole crew would need to meet the low risk indicators. If they return a negative test and meet the other low risk indicators, they could then be authorised to take shore leave.

If the ship on which the New Zealand crew member arrived was immediately departing New Zealand, and the crew departed before being tested the returning New Zealand crew member would have to go into a Managed Isolation or Quarantine Facility (MIQF) for 14 days, as for travellers entering NZ by air.

If the returning New Zealand crew member arrives at a port at a location where there is no MIFQ, and they are not able to remain on the ship because of the ship’s imminent departure, the local health authorities would have to consider how to manage the crew member’s quarantine.

A Medical Officer of Health can determine a different place of quarantine in these circumstances, bearing in mind the need to manage the public health risk around transfer of such a person to an MIQF elsewhere in New Zealand.

Is the local Port Authority notified if a ship’s crew are unwell, symptomatic, or test positive for COVID-19?

The local Port Authority, Harbour Master, and Regional Public Health Service must be notified if there is anyone on board a ship that are showing COVID symptoms. Shipping agents can arrange for health professionals (in full PPE) to visit the ship, assess the crew member and undertake a swab for a COVID test. If clinically appropriate, the crew member may be transported directly to hospital for further assessment and care.

It is required and standard practice for a ship to notify if any of its’ crew are seriously unwell at any time, regardless of whether we are in a COVID-19  response. Health Protection Offices are routinely advised of gastro bugs, flu etc on board a ship.

Is there onsite testing being carried out at the Port of Tauranga? 

Yes.

GPs and PHOs are aware of arrangements in place for border workers to be tested, if they are unable to access testing available at the port where they work.  They are aware that there is no charge for these tests.

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.

Will the vaccines be free and voluntary?

The COVID-19 vaccination will be free of charge.

It will not be mandatory. You can choose whether to get vaccinated.

Who can get the vaccines?

The government is expecting enough vaccines for every New Zealander – over 5 million people.

Vaccines have also been bought for those in the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Sāmoa, Tonga and Tuvalu.

All New Zealanders will be able to choose whether to get vaccinated.

What type of vaccines will be available?

New Zealand has secured COVID-19 vaccines with four suppliers.

Different vaccines have been purchased to allow for the possibility of some being more suited to different population groups or areas.

The first agreement is for 1.5 million vaccines from Pfizer and BioNTech. This is enough for 750,000 people - each person will need two doses of this vaccination, about two weeks apart.

The government has also agreed to purchase 10.72 million doses of the Novavax vaccine. This vaccine needs two doses. Enough for 5.36 million people.

This vaccine is not expected to be available until later in 2021.

An agreement of 7.6 million doses has also been signed with AstraZeneca.

This vaccine needs two doses which is enough for 3.8 million people.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is ‘fridge-stable’, which may allow for a more efficient rollout. This means it’s compatible with existing storage and distribution channels.

When will vaccinations start?

The confirmed timing of the rollout depends on when suppliers can deliver it.

The amount of vaccine will be limited when it first arrives. It will first need to go to those who need it most.

Border and managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) workers are a priority group expected to be vaccinated first.

Vaccinations for the general public are expected to begin in the second half of 2021.

Are there priority groups that will get vaccinated first?

Yes.  The best protection for New Zealand is to protect those most at risk of infection and their household contacts.

The priority is to vaccinate border workers, managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) and essential staff first.

Once the vaccine arrives in New Zealand, it’s expected vaccinating these priority groups will be completed in three to four weeks.

Ensuring equity of outcomes is a key measure of success. This includes protection for Māori, Pacific peoples and our most vulnerable population groups, such as:

• older people
• disabled people
• health workers
• essential workers
• border staff

How can I get a vaccine?

Vaccines will be rolled out through a COVID-19 Immunisation programme when they become available.

Further information will be on this site when it’s made available from the Ministry of Health.

Tell me about the rollout programme

Over $66 million has been allocated to support the roll out of the vaccine. Most of this money is to pay for enough supplies to vaccinate New Zealand’s entire population and support neighbouring Pacific countries.

Nine large -80°C freezers that can store more than 1.5 million doses of vaccine have been purchased. These will become part of a central storage facility for vaccines that requires ultra-low temperatures (the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine).

Vaccines will be distributed from the central storage facilities in a very controlled way through a nationwide ‘cold chain’ network.

Work is underway to see what expansion is needed to the cold chain network to make sure it’s ready to distribute vaccine across the country. Some vaccines can be stored for up to five days in normal cold chain fridges in temperatures from 2-8°C.

The National Immunisation Register (NIR) hold records for all immunisations given to children in New Zealand, as well as some adults. A replacement for the NIR system is being developed and will be called the National Immunisation Solution (NIS).

The NIS will allow health workers to record vaccinations anywhere, anytime. The public will be able to digitally access their own immunisation records.

The first version of the system will be available to fully support the roll-out and additional functionality will be added through further versions.

An inventory management system for vaccines is also being developed. This will hold information about where the vaccines are located, as well as volumes and temperature.

The system will help track and trace COVID-19 vaccines and consumables, including their expiry dates to minimise wastage.

Where can I get more information?

COVID-19: Vaccines | health.govt.nz

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 use for essential non-health workers 

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

For existing MSD clients or NZ residents needing financial support please ring Work and Income on 0800 559 009. Open 7am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-1pm (Sat), Sun closed.

The Government Helpline is available to help people who aren’t sure who to talk to: please call 0800 779 997. Open 8am-5pm, 7 days a week.

Foreign nationals who do not qualify for other support can still access support through CDEM Groups – contact them through the Government Helpline.

For people who need support to find short term temporary accommodation due to COVID-19 please call MBIE’s Temporary Accommodation Service on 0508 754 163 to register.

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