COVID-19 update - August 2020

We want to assure all our clients, clinicians, partners and stakeholders that we’re doing everything we can to reduce the risks of COVID-19, and doing our part for the wider community.

What we’re doing

• We’re monitoring the situation closely, and will keep this page updated with essential information.
• We’re following the guidance issued by the Ministry of Health and ACC.
• Our team have been briefed on additional health and safety protocols and will be regularly updated as the situation changes.

What you can expect

Alert Level 3
For regions at Alert Level 3, in-person appointments are being cancelled in favour of video conferencing (telehealth) appointments, where appropriate.

Alert Level 2
For regions at Alert Level 2, in-person appointments will continue with added health and safety practices to minimise the risks related to COVID-19. These include:

• Health screening
• Contact tracing
• Physical distancing
• The use of face masks

Your Focus on Potential clinician will contact you prior to booking or attending any appointment to check on the health status of you and others in your household. If you or others in your household are feeling unwell, being tested for COVID-19, awaiting test results, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, please let them know.

If you’d prefer not to have in-person contact at this time, that’s okay. Let us know and we can explore alternatives such as delivering sessions using video conferencing (telehealth), or postponing your appointment until it’s safe.

Online telehealth services

If you have a smartphone or computer with access to the internet and a webcam, there may be some services we can deliver to you remotely. We use secure and free video conferencing tools, which are available to all clients.Speak with your clinician about the options available to you.

Are you okay?

It’s totally normal to feel anxious in times like these. Speak with our clinicians if you have questions or concerns. Or, use the 24-hour free service from 1737 (text or phone) to receive support from trained counsellors. To find out more, visit www.1737.org.nz.

Practice self-care and keep occupied

Remember, it’s normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis.

• Practise self-care, allow time each day for stress relief and look at new relaxation techniques.
• Keep busy with games, books and movies.
• Draw on skills you’ve used in the past that have helped you to manage difficult situations and use them now to help cope during this challenging time.

Where possible continue with your daily routine and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Even if you must stay at home maintain a proper diet, sleeping habits, and exercise.
• See information about what you can still do when self-isolated – you don’t have to sit at home alone
• Remember social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t have social contact. Stay connected with others through calls, emails, internet.

Don’t turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with your emotions.

• If you feel overwhelmed talk to loved ones, or a professional (for example 1737).
• Have a plan of where to seek physical or mental health support if required.

Seek information from credible, reliable sources

Be mindful about the information you become exposed to and limit access to social media which may be portraying false information.

• Avoid reading posts that warn of an apocalypse or doomsday discussions.
• Don’t expose yourself to a stream of negative information.
• Sticking to facts is the best way to maintain perspective so find reliable sources such as WHO and MOH.

Think about the impact on children

Parents and carers may need to give extra attention to children affected by quarantine or exposure to the news.

• Children can absorb information from the news, social media and discussions adults have around them.
• Access specific advice on talking to children about COVID-19 (such a Nanogirl).
• Reassure children and let them talk about their worries, share your own coping skills and create a routine and structure for them.