What is COVID-19 COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that can affect your lungs and airways. Coronaviruses are a large and diverse family of viruses which cause illnesses such as the common cold. COVID-19 symptoms Symptoms include: a new or worsening cough a fever of at least 38°C shortness … Read more
You will be asked to self-isolate at home if: you have travelled overseas recently been in contact with someone who has recently travelled are a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19. You should minimise contact with others in your household while you wait for the test result. Others … Read more
If you test positive for COVID-19, there are several steps you will need to take and instructions you will need to follow. A staff member from your local public health unit will talk you through each of these steps: Case interview Relocating to a quarantine facility if appropriate Receiving treatment … Read more
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should phone Healthline or your GP to see if you should be tested. If you are advised to have a test, you will go to your local General Practice (GP) or community-based assessment centre (CBAC) and the staff there will talk to you … Read more
People with any of the COVID-19 symptoms who are close contacts of confirmed cases, have recently travelled overseas, or been in contact with recent travellers, should get assessed. If you have symptoms but are unsure if you have been exposed to COVID-19, ring Healthline or your GP for advice. Over winter there … Read more
The Ministry of Health is still recording testing data by region and by ethnicity within regions. This helps us ensure we have an accurate picture of any future spread of COVID-19 and can respond in the best way. It also helps to keep track of who is being tested, including … Read more
You can ask someone to help you get to the doctor and be with you while you are being assessed and tested. If you need to visit the hospital, you can ask someone to help you get to there. If you need someone with you at the hospital, you or … Read more
If you have symptoms and are a close contact of a confirmed case, have recently travelled overseas, or been in contact with recent travellers, call your doctor before getting tested and ensure you understand the process to follow when you arrive. Some health care centers may need you to wait … Read more
You may see people around wearing PPE. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and is used to protect you and other people from getting or spreading COVID-19. PPE might look like: People wearing masks to cover their mouth and nose, and Gloves, Gowns or plastic aprons, Eye protection or face shields. … Read more
How do I identify the symptoms of COVID-19? Symptoms include: fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, sore throat, sneezing plus runny nose, loss of smell. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu. Shortness … Read more