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After a few days in lockdown, we're starting to get the hang of it. Does anyone have any tips around structuring your day? Are you sticking to a routine? What's working, what's not? How can we use this time in isolation effectively? Let's discuss in the comments.
In the last week, the number of coronavirus cases across the country has doubled and health leaders in Nelson and Marlborough are grateful people are sticking to the rules in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
Nelson Marlborough Health chief medical officer Dr Nick Baker said as the Covid-19… View moreIn the last week, the number of coronavirus cases across the country has doubled and health leaders in Nelson and Marlborough are grateful people are sticking to the rules in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
Nelson Marlborough Health chief medical officer Dr Nick Baker said as the Covid-19 situation unfolded, it resembled the 1918 influenza pandemic in many ways, especially in the way it had spread around the globe.
"We know that left to its devices, this virus will cause a nasty sharp spike of cases and we will have a three month epidemic which will overwhelm our health system.
"Without the impact of mitigation, no health system on this planet can cope with a full blown Covid-19 outbreak," Baker said.
"The big message from me this week is, don't let up, we are dong the right things, don't get a false sense of security because the numbers of new cases might have dropped.
"This isn't over."
A community centre in Marlborough has closed its doors but has left a window open for people in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Crossroads Marlborough kitchen manager Richard McDonald said due to the Government's lockdown people could not gather in the centre as usual, but they could … View moreA community centre in Marlborough has closed its doors but has left a window open for people in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Crossroads Marlborough kitchen manager Richard McDonald said due to the Government's lockdown people could not gather in the centre as usual, but they could still collect takeaway food delivered through a window at the centre, or phone in if they need someone to talk to.
"We have a closed door policy but we are operating through the window and over the phone. Even though we are in a shutdown situation we are here for social contact," McDonald said.
Wondering why you didn’t get tested when you went to a community-based assessment centre (CBAC)? When you see a clinician at a CBAC they’ll ask ‘screening’ questions to determine whether you need to be tested. So you will be seen, screened and given advice. But you might not always be … View moreWondering why you didn’t get tested when you went to a community-based assessment centre (CBAC)? When you see a clinician at a CBAC they’ll ask ‘screening’ questions to determine whether you need to be tested. So you will be seen, screened and given advice. But you might not always be tested.
Our website has some more info about this.
The effect of misinformation, myths and gossip can be stopped in its tracks if we all use official news sources. Myths can often be difficult to spot, so we encourage you to only use official news sources at this time https://covid19.govt.nz/.
Playing games online isn’t just for the grandkids, we have a whole list of free game websites to keep you entertained; crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and sudoku to name a few.
Dear concerned citizen,
It’s important that we all try and shop safely as we unite against COVID-19.
Here’s a few things we should all now do, that will help slow the spread of the virus:
• send one person from your household to do the whole shop
• be aware that stores will limit … View moreDear concerned citizen,
It’s important that we all try and shop safely as we unite against COVID-19.
Here’s a few things we should all now do, that will help slow the spread of the virus:
• send one person from your household to do the whole shop
• be aware that stores will limit numbers to help you keep 2 metres away from others
• be kind to essential workers, and others you’re sharing the shop with
• come with a list so you can get in and out as quickly as possible
• only touch what you want to buy
• if you like, take a soapy towel in a small container to wipe down trolley or basket handles etc
• keep 2 metres away from others, including staff. They need to keep safe too!
• use payWave if you can, not cash
• bag groceries away from others if you can
• take out produce when you get home, and wash first in soapy water to protect against the virus, then rinse to remove any soap residue wipe down packaged goods with a soapy clean towel, then dry
• wash your hands before and after you shop.
Can I bring people in my household with me to buy essential supplies?
You should dedicate one person per household to be the shopper. This is the safest way to get essential supplies, as it reduces the number of people who are out, and helps stop the virus from spreading.
Leaving online shopping to those who need it most
• If you are healthy, or aged under 70, you should go to the supermarket to do your shopping. This leaves online delivery slots free for those that need them most.
• If you’re a parent on your own with children or over 70, move to online shopping if available. This is important for the safety of your children and others – especially essential service providers.
• If that’s not possible, reach out to nearby friends, family or neighbours who can assist you with the shopping and get it to your doorstep. Your local community may also be able to assist, or you can contact your local store – some are putting special systems in place to help.
Thank you
If we all do our bit we’ll get through this. Thank you for working together and staying home. We can, and must stick with it.
While your Four Square-ing, here’s four simple rules for shopping during Level 4.
1. Be prepared so you know what you need
2. Choose your household shopper who’ll pop into Four Square alone.
3. Stay a safe distance from your fellow Four Square-ers and … View moreWhile your Four Square-ing, here’s four simple rules for shopping during Level 4.
1. Be prepared so you know what you need
2. Choose your household shopper who’ll pop into Four Square alone.
3. Stay a safe distance from your fellow Four Square-ers and staff
4. Use contactless payment where possible
For updates and information about confirmed cases in the Nelson Marlborough region, community-based assessment centre (CBAC) data and any new information for our communities visit our website:
Need some resources to help you cope with the kids during the lock down? Health Navigator has a nice care package to help you get through staying at home for a month. When you get a moment have a read of the Health Navigator tips.
Grow seeds or cuttings during the cooler months with this easy-to-make cold frame painted in Resene Lustacryl.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
Find out how to create your own.
With COVID-19 classified as a pandemic, there has never been a more important time to be Neighbourly. To ensure everyone in our communities feels safe and supported, spread facts not fear. Regularly consult government sources and encourage others to do the same.
During this uncertain time, … View moreWith COVID-19 classified as a pandemic, there has never been a more important time to be Neighbourly. To ensure everyone in our communities feels safe and supported, spread facts not fear. Regularly consult government sources and encourage others to do the same.
During this uncertain time, it’s fine to feel a little overwhelmed. To keep up to date with the latest developments and how you can do your bit, visit https://covid19.govt.nz/.
From Marlborough District Council:
Marlborough District Libraries may be closed but there are thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and more for Marlburians to access online.
For those who aren’t already members, locals can now sign up for a digital only membership online.
… View moreFrom Marlborough District Council:
Marlborough District Libraries may be closed but there are thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and more for Marlburians to access online.
For those who aren’t already members, locals can now sign up for a digital only membership online.
Council district libraries manager Glenn Webster said this new option came in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown and allowed new members to access library e-resources for one year, compared to the normal online registration which was limited to two weeks.
“We encourage everyone to sign up to this service by visiting: www.marlboroughlibraries.govt.nz... library/news?item=id:29h7s3at917q9smmi8w2.
“Reading or listening to e-books, magazines or newspapers is a great way to pass the time during this difficult lockdown period,” he said.
“People also have the opportunity to access ancestry.com from home during the lockdown period. This is an online resource that allows people to search their family history and genealogy. Library members can access this resource via the Marlborough District Libraries website, using their library ID and pin number.”
“During these uncertain times we’d like to reassure people that any items on their library account will be automatically extended while the lockdown is in place, so there is no need to worry about overdue items or fines,” Glenn said.
“Likewise, we ask that people disregard any notices they may have received regarding overdue books or fines from 23 March. Fines will not accrue while the library is closed.”
For more information about the Marlborough District Libraries please visit: www.marlboroughlibraries.govt.nz...
Marlborough District Council operations and maintenance engineer Stephen Rooney is urging people not to flush wet wipes down the toilet.
“Despite being advertised as ‘flushable’, wet wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. When they bind together they block our pumps that keep the sewage… View moreMarlborough District Council operations and maintenance engineer Stephen Rooney is urging people not to flush wet wipes down the toilet.
“Despite being advertised as ‘flushable’, wet wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. When they bind together they block our pumps that keep the sewage moving through the pipes,” he said.
As a result, Council staff had to raise the underground pumps and manually clear them of clumps of wet wipes and other debris that had accumulated, he said.
“Given the current Covid-19 situation, more people are using wet wipes in an effort to keep up hygiene practices. Unfortunately the material wet wipes are made from is not kind to our pipes and they should be placed in the rubbish bin instead,” Rooney said.
“When it comes to what you can safely flush, people need to remember the three P's – pee, poo and paper, anything else should be put in the rubbish.”
Rooney asked that people consider the staff who had to respond when an alarm alerted them to a blocked sewage pump.
“It’s not the nicest job and it takes our staff away from essential work, so it would be good if people could wrap their rubbish and put it out in the council bag instead of blocking toilets, drains or the sewerage system.”
With everyone staying home, it’s now more important than ever for everyone to be fire-safe. People can find information on our website - fireandemergency.nz...
We’re heading into winter, and with households self-isolating together, there’ll be more cooking at home, and more use of open … View moreWith everyone staying home, it’s now more important than ever for everyone to be fire-safe. People can find information on our website - fireandemergency.nz...
We’re heading into winter, and with households self-isolating together, there’ll be more cooking at home, and more use of open fires, heaters, and dryers - all things which can increase fire risk.
New Zealanders can be confident that Fire and Emergency is well-prepared and ready to respond to emergencies as usual during the nationwide self- isolation period.
Please call 111 if you have a fire, we will ask you whether anyone at the address is self-isolating or has a confirmed case of COVID-19. Where this is the case, we already have necessary measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety including protective clothing, gloves, masks, safety glasses and mask.
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