With the Christmas break right around the corner, Kiwis are encouraged to pack a kit of COVID-19 essentials along with the towels and togs when they head away this summer.
The Government is advising New Zealanders to create their own COVID-19 kits as part of its 'Make Summer Unstoppable' campaign, the latest effort to reinforce basic public health measures and fight complacency over the summer months.
On Tuesday, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield and COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins revealed the Government's three contingency plans in the event of a summer resurgence, with a shift in alert levels considered the "last resort".
To prevent community transmission ruining the fun in the first place, Kiwis are encouraged to pack a small kit of essentials while travelling or attending events this summer.
Here's what the COVID-19 kit could comprise of:
- Soap
- Hand sanitiser
- Masks or face coverings
- Cleaning products
- A booklet for contact tracing.
As mobile reception may be limited in remote locations, or phone use may be compromised at festivals, the Government recommends packing a contract tracing booklet in case the NZ COVID Tracer app can't be used. That way, Kiwis are still able to access their location history in the event of a community outbreak.
The Government's plan also asks Kiwis to keep up with basic public health measures under our 'new normal', such as:
- Maintaining good hand hygiene - wash hands frequently, with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Scanning QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app
- Turning on the app's Bluetooth tracing - a function that allows users to receive an alert if they've been in the vicinity of another app user who tests positive
- Staying at home when sick.
The 'Make Summer Unstoppable' campaign also recommends Kiwis keep hand sanitiser in a convenient place, such as a pocket or handbag, to ensure hands are clean on-the-go.
The planning also recommends creating a QR code for large social events, allowing guests to add the gathering to their location history and aid contact tracing efforts in the event of an outbreak.
Health officials are also advising Kiwi travellers to have contingency plans in place - in case their plans are impacted or movement is restricted - as a result of an outbreak. Contingency plans may involve who would look after their home, pets or family members if departure was delayed.
