in emergencies call 111
Get the latest information about any emergency on the West Coast.
The Auckland region moved to Alert Level 3 at 12 noon on Wednesday 12 August.
The rest of New Zealand moved to Alert Level 2 at 12 noon on Wednesday 12 August.
This will remain in place until Wednesday 26 August.
More information can be found on the covid19.govt.nz website.
As the West Coast begins to move into a Covid-19 recovery phase, West Coast Civil Defence is scaling down its support services, including the 0800 Household Goods and Services helpline.
In Alert Level 4, West Coast Civil Defence launched the 0800 number to support people needing urgent help accessing food, medication or other household goods and services.
The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora has launched a COVID-19 tracing app on 20 May, 2020. In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, they need to trace the contacts of anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19. Recording people’s movements helps them to do this quickly and efficiently if there are any cases found in the community.
The initial release allows you to register your contact details and scan QR codes when you visit a business to help keep track of where you’ve been.
Early learning services, schools and tertiary education facilities are open to all ages. It is safe to attend all forms of education. Additional public health measures are in place. It is important that all learners can continue their education.
Some people with underlying medical conditions and people over 70 are more at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
When we move to Alert Level 2, there will be more freedom to move around and reconnect with friends and family. People at risk of COVID-19 will need to take some extra precautions when out and about to keep themselves safe.
Find out more from the COVID-19 website or the factsheet here.
The Government has announced New Zealand will move from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm on Wednesday 13 May. Until then we are still in Alert Level 3.
Temporary limits on gathering numbers will be in place when we first move to Alert Level 2.
Cabinet will review Alert Level 2 restrictions on Monday 25 May.
For more information on Alert Level 2, please visit the Covid-19 website.
Hunting on public conservation land is still not allowed when NZ moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 from 11.59pm 27 April.
However hunting on private land with the landowner’s permission will be allowed under Alert Level 3, so long as hunters stay local and stick to their bubble. This is not the time to take up hunting as a new hobby. Use your common sense – stay local, stay safe.
Anzac Day services will not go ahead this year due to the restrictions in place in response to COVID-19. This includes the National Services at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and Atatürk Memorial.
This year, we’re encouraging New Zealanders to mark Anzac Day from within your bubble instead.
The Government has announced New Zealand will move out of Alert Level 4 lockdown at 11.59pm on Monday 27 April. We are still in Alert Level 4 until then.
We will hold at Alert Level 3 for two weeks, before Cabinet reviews how we are tracking and makes further decisions on 11 May.
For more information, please visit: Covid-19 website here.
Media Release 1
Severe weather update
West Coast prepares for severe weather
Heavy rain warnings, swell alerts and strong gale force winds have been forecasted for much of the West Coast over the next 36 hours.
Important message – Easter weekend
We would like to take the opportunity before the long weekend hits to stress how important it is to stay at home in our bubbles. We will be able to move out of the Level 4 lockdown faster if we can keep the case numbers low. It will be tempting to travel to see friends and family over the weekend however this Easter will be different for many, try picking up the phone to speak with family and friends or using Skype or Zoom to have a virtual catch up.
Preparations are well underway to support schools and students with distance-learning when term 2 begins on 15 April.
Every learner in New Zealand will have at least one way to access education, even if they do not have a device or an internet connection at home.
While New Zealand’s Alert Level 4 lockdown is due to end on 22 April, the Ministry of Education is planning for every scenario.
Getting through together has tips and advice on how to get through and stay connected, and to support everyone’s wellbeing.
It also includes tools for parents, dubbed Sparklers at Home, to talk with their primary-school-aged children about their mental health and wellbeing.
The resource has been developed by All Right? in partnership with the Canterbury DHB and the Mental Health Foundation. You can see more on the campaign here.
Get the latest updates directly to your WhatsApp.
Health and medical facilities are recognised as essential services and will remain open during Alert Level 4. We want to remind everyone with on-going health issues to continue to seek out medical advice or assistance if necessary, by phoning their regular doctor or the hospital. This includes getting prescriptions for regular medications. Pharmacies will also continue to remain open during Alert Level 4. Please also phone them first to find out what arrangements are available for you to obtain your medication.
If you don’t have a family doctor, if you’re feeling unwell but you’re not sure if you need to see a doctor; or for advice about what’s happening for you and next steps, please contact Healthline at 0800 358 5453. The call is free and someone is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information, please visit: https://covid19.govt.nz/…/for-eve…/how-to-access-healthcare/
The Government announced today updates to the Health Act Order which outlines what is and isn’t allowed under isolation or quarantine requirements and permissions for essential personal movement, including what activities are allowed during Alert Level 4.
Find out the Easter Weekend opening hours for supermarkets on the West Coast.
Civil Defence West Coast are now providing a hotline for people with urgent household goods and service’s needs.
If someone has an urgent need for food or essential supplies, then they can call. The number is operational Mondays to Fridays between 9.00am to 5.00pm. This number also covers the whole of the West Coast.
Information for essential workers in health and non-health workplaces on using personal protective equipment.
You may be wondering if you need to be using PPE in order to keep yourself safe during this time. You may also be wanting to know what to do to protect those in your bubble when you return home.
Anyone (child or adult) with an urgent dental problem on the West Coast (or Canterbury) should phone 0800 846-983 or email commdental@cdhb.health.nz – this is the Community Dental contact centre.
A dentist or dental therapist will make contact and determine what treatment is needed and make the appropriate arrangements.
Please note: There are significant restrictions on the types of dental treatment that are able to be provided while the Covid-19 virus poses a threat.
The Ministry of Health is recommending that people who are most at risk get their Influenza vaccination. Influenza immunisation is FREE for people who are in the “high priority” group which include:
We are aware the Government have announced there has been a death related to Covid-19 in the Grey Base Hospital we are working with the Ministry of Health and the West Coast District Health Board to get more information and we will share this with you as soon as we have it.
Clarification around leaving your home.
There has been a lot of misconception in the community regarding restricted activity and what is permitted. A number of questions have arisen surrounding accessing the beach, use of vehicles, and visitation of family and friends.
Confirmed Case of Covid-19 on the West Coast
We can now confirm that there is a case of Covid-19 on the West Coast. Additional details can be found here on the Ministry of Health website which will be updated as more information comes to hand. Now that we know for certain that the virus has reached our region, we must all be exceptionally vigilant in adhering to the restrictions.
The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora has launched a COVID-19 tracing app on 20 May, 2020. In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, they need to trace the contacts of anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19. Recording people’s movements helps them to do this quickly and efficiently if there are any cases found in the community.
The initial release allows you to register your contact details and scan QR codes when you visit a business to help keep track of where you’ve been.
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